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St. Mary's
County Times
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

WWW.COUNTYTIMES.NET

St. Mary’s Weathers

Heavy Storm

Zoning Amendment
Hearing Set

Town Partners with New

Broadband Provider

BUBBY LEAVES
A LEGACY
OF GIVING
2 St. Mary’s County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024

INDEPENDENT CONTENTS
LOCAL NEWS 3 OBITUARIES18

LOCAL NEWS COPS & COURTS

COMMUNITY12
9 CALENDARS20

COVERAGE IS “THIS BRIDGE IS CRITICAL

PRICELESS. TO OUR FUTURE.”
SEN. JACK BAILEY ON EFFORTS TO GET THE STATE TO PURSUE FEDERAL
MONEY TO REPLACE THE GOV. THOMAS JOHNSON BRIDGE

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM.

Now, more than ever, St. Mary’s County needs
trustworthy reporting—but good journalism isn’t free.

Please support The County Times by making a

contribution.

Two easy ways to show your support:

· Call us at 301-373-4125 to pay by credit card
· Mail your check to: LOCAL3
My County Times New DES director hired
PO Box 250
Hollywood, MD 20636

THANK YOU. LOCAL5

St. Mary’s recovers from winds, rains
7
ON THE COVER
St. Mary’s says goodbye to Bubby Knott

WEEKLY FORECAST
THU, JAN 11 FRI, JAN 12 SAT, JAN 13 SUN, JAN 14

DO YOU FEEL Sunny PM Showers Sunny Partly Cloudy

Hi: 52° Lo: 33° Hi: 50° Lo: 47° Hi: 51° Lo: 31° Hi: 44° Lo: 32°
CRABBY WHEN MON, JAN 15 TUE, JAN 16 WED, JAN 17 THU, JAN 18

YOU GET YOUR

INSURANCE BILL AM Rain/Snow Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy

IN THE MAIL?
Hi: 44° Lo: 22° Hi: 33° Lo: 19° Hi: 34° Lo: 26° Hi: 41° Lo: 29°

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 Thursday, January 11, 2024
New Emergency
Services Chief Accused
of Toxicity in Last Post
By Guy Leonard
Staff Writer
The county’s new director of the
Department of Emergency Services, Jennifer
Aubert-Utz, last served as assistant chief
in the Baltimore County Fire Department
where she failed a no confidence vote by
the local firefighter union there regarding
leadership style and the influence it had on
the department.
A report issued by the International
Association of Fire Fighters Local 1311 of a
June 2023 no-confidence vote by 662 active
and retired members showed a little over 90
percent of those responding did not approve
of Aubert-Utz’s leadership.
The report stated that the entire leadership
team of Baltimore County Fire Department
(BCFD) had created a toxic working envi-
ronment where first responder morale suf-
fered badly as a result.
Aubert-Utz was called out in the report
specifically in one instance regarding their
fire training academy.
“Staff and students are being spied on
from HQ via security cameras,” the union
report stated. “It was noted that on at least
one occasion operations were shut down by
[Assistant Chief] Utz because she did not
like what she saw during a training session
via camera.”
Aubert-Utz was also mentioned in a fed-
eral Department of Justice complaint regard-
ing alleged sexual harassment against female
employees at BCFD dating back to 2017.
According to the complaint, the county
violated Title VII when it subjected the
women to a hostile work environment, spe-
cifically the actions of a male employee who
allegedly both shared and solicited nude pic-
tures of some of the women.
The findings of the Justice Department
were that the department did not take prompt
action to correct the hostile working condi-
tions, including not informing the victims
of the progress of the investigation into the
alleged misconduct by the male employee.
Aubert-Utz was told of the first incident
involving nude photos in June of 2017, but
the complaint stated that the fire department
“had not taken any steps to investigate the
matter prior to Aug. 24, 2017,” according to
federal allegations in the complaint filed in
September of 2023.
Baltimore County subsequently agreed
to pay $275,000 to the 11 employees over
their sexual harassment claims.
County commissioners expressed enthu-
siasm this week at Aubert-Utz’s hiring, the
culmination of a process that lasted about
%
ON NEWSSTANDS EVERY THURSDAY & ONLINE AT COUNTYTIMES.NET
St. Mary’s County Times LOCAL NEWS 3
20th Annual MONDAY, JANUARY 15
6:30 a.m.
Breakfast ($15 at door)
Campus Center Great Room
8 a.m.
Program start
Be of Service
Donate non-perishable food,
unopened packs of diapers,
baby wipes, baby wash and
lotion, diaper rash cream,
baby formula.
LIVING THE DREAM:
HOPE, COURAGE & UNITY
Keynote address by Rev. Trisch L. Smith,
Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Officer at Edelman; African Methodist
Episcopal Church Minister
Department of Emergency Services Director
Jennifer Aubert-Utz
a year.
“We are confident that her skills and expe-
Sponsored by St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s
rience will benefit both the Department and REGISTER FOR THE County Branch NAACP The 7025, St. Mary’s County
our residents,” said Commissioner President EVENT AT: Human Relations Commission, St. Mary’s County Public
Schools, the College of Southern Maryland, Ivy & Pearls
Randy Guy. SMCM.EDU/MLK of So. Md. Community Charities and Alpha Kappa
Commissioner Eric Colvin said the com- Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Nu Zeta Omega Chapter.
missioners were not involved in the inter-
view process, rather that was undertaken
by a panel of fire and EMS personnel here
in St. Mary’s.
The commissioners did meet with Aubert-
Utz in a closed session, however, Colvin
said, where the no-confidence vote was
discussed.
It did not count against Aubert-Utz during

their question and answer session, the com-
missioner said.
“We have faith she will do a good job,”

said Colvin.
“I am incredibly humbled by the
confidence bestowed on me by the
Commissioners and County Administrator,”
said Aubert-Utz. “I am beyond excited to
join this well-established leadership team
and look forward to serving the St. Mary’s
community alongside the men and women
of the Department of Emergency Services.”
Clinical Managers (RNs)
Physical Therapists (PTs)
Aubert-Utz holds both a bachelor’s
and master’s degree in management from
Johns Hopkins University with an empha-
sis in Public Safety Leadership. She has
also earned the National Fire Academy’s Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Executive Fire Officer designation, as well
as the Certified Public Manager through
University of Baltimore.
PTAs • COTAs • LPNs
guyleonard@countytimes.net 
LOCAL
www.FirstHealthcareConsultants.com
COMMUNITY 240-515-7353
NEWS 
 
SERVING ST. MARY'S COUNTY      
County Times     
4 St. Mary’s County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024

4-out-of-5 Marylanders agree:

WE WANT CHOICE.
According to a recent poll, nearly 80 percent of Maryland consumers want the freedom to
choose their electricity providers in a competitive market. The message is clear:

Marylanders want plans that fit our family budgets;

Marylanders want more dependable choices; “Marylanders want true competition,

Marylanders want more green energy products.
Competition delivers the best services and most
innovative products for consumers.
Monopolies result in a cookie cutter,
one-size-fits-all energy plan.
We shop competitively for everything from
groceries to cars, but most Marylanders are
forced to do business with their local utilities.
IT MAKES NO SENSE.
where consumers can choose their own
energy providers and select renewable
energy sources. Consumers want the
ability to choose the best provider
without barriers.”
- Patrick Gonzales, President of
Gonzales Research and Media Services.
“The tenets of competition stimulate
innovation, transparency and superior
products. They protect consumers from
inflated costs, disreputable business
practices, and indifferent customer
service.”
- Clayton Mitchell; Former Chairman,
Maryland Board of Appeals

Contact your legislators and ask them to END the monopoly

and SUPPORT energy competition and choice.

To learn more, please visit www.choosewhomd.com.

 Thursday, January 11, 2024
Heavy Rains, Winds
Result in Widespread
Power Outages
By Guy Leonard
Staff Writer
The Southern Maryland Electric
Cooperative (SMECO) was still repairing
a few power outages the morning and early
afternoon of Jan. 10 after heavy winds and
rains that hit the area the day before.
Heavy deluges and fierce winds, some-
times reaching more than 50 miles-per-hour,
according to one resident’s account, had
plagued the county most of the day on Jan.
9 but the worst came around the evening
time, data from SMECO shows.
Just before noon on Jan. 10, SMECO’s
data showed there were still about 411 out-
ages in St. Mary’s.
The power outages that occurred did so
quickly; by 5 p.m. Jan. 9 there were already
4,771 outages in St. Mary’s County alone,
according to SMECO.
County government sources reported that
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
LOCAL ADVERTISERS
REAL ESTATE • SERVICES
VEHICLES • EMPLOYMENT
CHILD CARE
GENERAL MERCHANDISE
WWW.SOMD.COM • CLASS.SOMD.COM
YOUR ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR CHARLES, CALVERT, & ST. MARY’S COUNTIES
St. Mary’s County Times LOCAL NEWS 5
RETIRED & SENIOR
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Seniors in Service to Their Community
Leading with Experience
public works crews worked throughout the
night to respond to storm damage including
more than 60 downed trees, 11 road closures
Come join our team of
and a maximum of 5,960 power outages.
One South County resident, Roy Fedders,
said the storm caused serious flooding in his
dedicated volunteers!
neighborhood which stood directly athwart
from St. Jerome’s Creek. The creek sits next
to the Chesapeake Bay.
“The most recent storm was a bit wicked
here,” Fedders told The County Times. “I RSVP provides meaningful and
had three inches of rain and 51 mile-per-
hour winds. rewarding volunteering opportunities
“It was flooded around three sides of my
house… the beach on the bay side had major for seniors 55 years of age and older.
erosion.”
Do you know the benefits of
The following day, Jan. 10, Fedders said
winds in his area still reached up to 35 miles
volunteering?
per hour after the storm.
guyleonard@countytimes.net
Reduces: Increases:
Depression Physical Fitness
Chronic Pain Mental Functionality
Stress Sense of Purpose
Risk of Disease Social Connection
Social Isolation Longevity
Sponsored by the St. Mary’s County
Department of Aging & Human Services
Contact RSVP Project Manager Monika
Williams at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1653,
or RSVP@stmaryscountymd.gov.
6 LOCAL NEWS St. Mary’s County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024

Flat Iron Farm Counties Want State

to Pursue Bridge
Southern Maryland Funding Grant
Auction Company
Winter Heavy Truck, Construction
& AG Equipment Auction
January 19th, 2024 starting at 8:30 AM
45840 Flat Iron Road, Great Mills, MD 20634
Proxibid.com, Equipmentfacts.com & live at site.
Consignments accepted up until January 17th, 2024.
Eight late model tri-axle dump trucks. Several Pickup
Trucks. Several farm tractors. Fifteen Excavators. Two
Pavers. Two Rollers. Eight new trailers

Sen. Jack Bailey, center, with MDOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, right, and Deputy Secretary Samantha Biddle.
Photo courtesy of Sen. Jack Bailey.
2012 Peterbilt Road Liebherr 544 2001 International
Tractor. Sleeper, Cummins Wheel Loader Tri-Axle Dump, 6NZ Cat By Guy Leonard
LSX 15, automatic engine. Auto trans. Staff Writer
The county has joined an effort to encour-
Two International Tri-Axle dumps with CAT 6NZ engines. age the state Department of Transportation
500k miles rebuilt. Five late model wheel loaders. Fifteen to seek federal funds to defray the costs of
bulldozers. Two CAT 963 crawler loaders. One CAT 953 building a replacement for the Gov. Thomas
Johnson Bridge, a letter of support for the
crawler loader. Five skid steers. Skid steer implements. endeavor from the Commissioners of St.
A lot of support equipment. Mary’s County shows.
“Our county recognizes the importance of
this infrastructure project and believes that
securing federal funding for its replacement
is paramount to our county and our region’s
continued growth and success,” the county’s
missive dated Jan. 9 stated. “We commend
the State Department of Transportation for
its proactive approach to addressing the
infrastructure needs of our region.”
Sen. Jack Bailey told The County Times
1995 Peterbilt Komatsu 61PX 1998 Peterbilt Tri-Axle this week that back in December the Calvert
Tri-Axle dump Bulldozer Dump. Eaton Fuller trans. County board of commissioners sent a sim-
N14-460F ilar letter of support to MDOT Secretary
Paul Wiedefeld.
“The [federal government] is accept-
ing applications for bridge project
grants,” Bailey said. “I’ve had the secre-
tary [Wiedefeld] and the deputy secretary
[Samantha Biddle] down here in Solomons
to discuss the bridge replacement.
“They were non-committal about abso-
lutely moving ahead, but they were very
interested in continuing discussions.”
The replacement of the bridge, which is
now about 50 years old, has been a key issue
locally, with leaders on both sides of the
span calling for a replacement as being crit-
ical to traffic safety and mobility, economic
growth and even national security.
But the state has stubbornly left off fund-
ing the project, saying the bridge is not a
priority for replacement as it is still struc-
turally sound.
The prior administration of Gov. Larry
Hogan deemed the bridge “functionally
obsolete” but never committed much fund-
ing to it beyond maintenance and planning
studies.
Recently, the only federal funding going
to the bridge came in the amount of $1 mil-
lion; estimates to build a new span have
reached as high as $750 million.
Bailey said he wants to have a fresh start
with the new administration.
“I thought it was important to continue
to have these discussions [with the new
administration,” Bailey said of his recent
meeting in the fall. “This bridge is critical
to our future.”
guyleonard@countytimes.net


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 Thursday, January 11, 2024
“Bubby” Knott Remembered for Giving Back
to St. Mary’s
By Guy Leonard
Staff Writer
Joseph “Bubby” Knott, celebrated locally
for his philanthropy, was an integral part of
life in St. Mary’s according to many who
knew him throughout his life, though he
largely eschewed the limelight for his many
acts of charity.
Knott passed away last week at the age
of 77.
Knott was the owner of the construction
business The Great Mills Trading Post.
His business empire, which, according
to County Commissioner President James
“Randy” Guy speaking a week after Knott’s
passing, started out as a junk collecting busi-
ness that he parlayed into a huge construc-
tion concern.
“He had a single truck that he used to go
around and pick up metal and take it up to
a scrap yard in Washington, D.C. for extra
money,” Guy said.
“That’s how he started and he built up a
huge business.”
Knott went into the excavating business
like his father did, Guy said, and he went
on to do many construction projects for
the county — including the latest section
of FDR Boulevard — and also the replace-
ment runways for the Navy at Patuxent
River Naval Air Station.
His cousin, former state senator Roy
Dyson, said he was hard pressed to think of
anyone in St. Mary’s who had contributed as
much through their generosity as Knott had
as a life-long resident of the county.
“He was an extraordinary man,” Dyson
said. “He gave it all back to St. Mary’s
County.
“He seemed to back everybody; he had a
legacy — I don’t know of any place where
he didn’t help financially or build things for.”
His daughter, Karen Knott Siebert, said
her father passed away the morning of Jan. 4.
The response from the community with
sympathy for the Knott family has been
strong and immediate.
Knott was famous for his business acu-
men and also for his giving nature; in 2022
he bought the old Brass Rail sports bar on
Route 5 and donated it as the new home of
the St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen.
Knott also founded the tradition of
Christmas lights and holiday themed dis-
plays that had drawn and delighted the
Apparatus from Second District VFD&RS as well as local business, including Knott’s own Great Mill Trading Post, assembled at Hollywood VFD on Wednesday in preparation for the funeral procession.
St. Mary’s County Times
Joseph “Bubby” Knott
community to view the sprawling work for
decades at Flat Iron Farm.
Dyson said his cousin was circumspect
with regards to the sway he could have held
in local issues as such a successful business-
man, preferring to simply give his opinion
rather than press for immediate action.
“When you do that much, you do carry
a lot of weight,” Dyson said of his cousin’s
reputation. “Those people who are having
lunch today at the soup kitchen, they’ll
probably never know he was the one who
brought that about.”
Knott’s extended family lived in close
proximity to his business on Route 5 in
Great Mills and he was noted for his sup-
port of both Holy Face Catholic Church and
Little Flower School, of which he was a for-
mer student.
“He always wanted to be in Great Mills,”
Dyson said. “His roots were deep here.”
Ronnie Farrell, local auctioneer, said his
friend was always busy making business
deals, seeming to thrive off the work.
“He was heavily involved in auctions,
always buying and selling,” Farrell told The
ON THE COVER 7
County Times.
This extended to the St. Mary’s County
Fair, where Knott would have Farrell pay
top dollar for livestock raised by local youth
whose animals had not been bid upon.
“He’d be a big buyer to support the kids,”
Farrell said.
In one instance, Knott purchased a trac-
tor and resold it several times just to raise
money for schools such as Mother Catherine
Academy in Mechanicsville and to aid can-
cer survivors, said Farrell.
Knott seemed unconcerned with how
much money he was spending to help others.
“I would ask him, how much should I
buy and he would say ‘Whatever it takes,’”
Farrell said. “He was extremely generous
when it came to those kinds of endeavors.
“And there were things he did behind the
scenes that were just as enormous.”
And always, Knott was a businessman.
“He would call people and just get things
done,” Farrell said. “He would make it
happen.”
Many people also sought out his advice
on business matters, which Knott was happy
to provide forthrightly.
“You knew exactly where you stood,”
Farrell said. “They trusted his guidance;
they trusted his opinion.”
Knott was well known and loved for his
annual Christmas celebration at his home —
Flat Iron Farm — where numerous lighted
displays were erected and thousands would
take driving tours around the property to
peruse the spectacle, particularly at night.
Howard Thompson, president of the local
Christmas in April chapter, said Knott espe-
cially enjoyed when children would come
to his farm during the holidays.
“If it had something to do with a child, he
was like Santa Claus,” Thompson said. “I
remember being down there with him one
year and he turned to me and said ‘This is
the best; I just like the kids.’”
Knott seemed to always think of others
and how he could help them, Thompson
said.
“He was always pleasant and willing to
help you,” Thompson said. “He wanted to
see people shine.”
guyleonard@countytimes.net
8 LOCAL NEWS St. Mary’s County Times
Leonardtown Partners


 with New Broadband
Provider

By Guy Leonard
Staff Writer
    This week the Leonardtown Town

    Council signed a memorandum of under-
standing with Chestertown-based broad

     band internet provider ThinkBig in a bid to
bring more options to town residents.
The council voted unanimously to
approve the MOU at their Jan. 8 council
meeting.
Mark Wagner, co-owner of ThinkBig,
said his company’s plan is to build out their
infrastructure with fiber, rather than copper
wire, which can deteriorate over time.
“About 99 percent of it is underground,”
Wagner said of infrastructure his company
has built in other communities such as
Chestertown and Havre de Grace. “There
might be some poles we’d have to use [in
Leonardtown].
“We’d very much prefer to go under-
ground for a lot of reasons.”
The newly signed MOU allows ThinkBig
to lay cable in the town’s right-of-way.
“We do have a Breezeline franchise
agreement,” Town Administrator Laschelle
McKay told council members. “We can
bring in other franchises but we’ve never
had anyone interested in building infrastruc-
ture before.
“We’ve got a lot of people who would
like have options.”
Cable companies, such as Breezeline,
ANTIQUES
   
  
State Affordable

 ­­€  
 
 

  €     
‚
 ­­€    
    
Housing Push Could Run

‚     ƒ
€ „  Afoul of Local Zoning
By Guy Leonard
SPORTS COLLECTIONS Staff Writer
­€†­€  ­€    Gov. Wes Moore plans to introduce a
  
  legislative program this year that would
  
   encourage the building of affordable hous-
  ‡    ing throughout Maryland, but local leaders
fear that push could degrade local authority
when it comes to zoning matters.
MOVIES, TV SHOW, AND During a pre-General Assembly brief-
ing on what legislation might move for-
ENTERTAINMENT COLLECTIONS ward to the Commissioners of St. Mary’s
County Jan. 9, Deputy County Attorney
ˆƒ‰Š‹   Š  John Houser said that while the governor’s
‡ŒŒ ƒŽ‹
  announcement of several months ago did not
actually define what affordable housing was,
it did show what local leaders could expect
HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND DECOR to see in any enabling legislation.
“We know… making work force housing
‘       more accessible is going to be a push this
 year,” Houser said. “Perhaps at the expense
of local control and oversight of these types
Sellers will entertain early access for antique and sports of projects.”
collection vendors by appointment. Please email caton0823@ The governor’s bill package, which has
gmail.com to make an appointment and verify business. yet to be introduced, would potentially
relax adequate public facility requirements
Thursday, January 11, 2024
have franchise agreements but because
ThinkBig is considered under federal law
to be a telecommunications company, they
are subject to agreements such as MOUs.
Wagner said Leonardtown was a commu-
nity where his company was keen to start
doing business.
“Out of a survey of 596 communities this
one was a top contender,” Wagner said. “A
lot of people want to come and live here.
“We’re happy to be a part of the
community.”
The county government signed a sim-
ilar MOU with ThinkBig in 2022, hop-
ing to bring more internet service options
countywide.
Mayor Dan Burris called the MOU “a
good thing,” and asked Wagner to pay par-
ticular attention to the downtown and wharf
areas as they were notorious for getting poor
internet coverage.
guyleonard@countytimes.net
if they would hold up such a project, expe-
dite local reviews of those projects and limit
the amount of public hearings on them,
Houser said.
“That’s a large rumor I’ve been hearing
about for a while now, that the governor’s
plan will supersede local zoning,” said
Commissioner Eric Colvin.
Houser said the only legislation on file so
far was from a Montgomery County dele-
gate which would expedite the review of
such projects but only on land owned by
charitable organizations that had offered
such a proposal in the first place.
Houser said he considered this bill a
“milquetoast” version of whatever the gov-
ernor’s office plans to introduce.
Affordable housing in St. Mary’s has long
been a serious issue with housing prices ris-
ing quickly as the population has increased
to more than 100,000 residents.
According to Redfin.com, the median
price for a single-family home here is
$400,000, up almost 10 percent from 2022.
guyleonard@countytimes.net
 Thursday, January 11, 2024
County Considers
Allowing Fast Food in
Flight Safety Zone
By Guy Leonard
Staff Writer
The developers of the newly proposed
Pax River Village Center, Atlantic Realty
Inc., want the zoning code amended to
allow fast food restaurants in the flight
safety zone surrounding Patuxent River
Naval Air Station.
The developers want the changes to
allow their redevelopment of what is now
known as Millison Plaza.
The proposal would allow such uses in
the light commercial industrial zone and in
the accident potential zone No. 2, which is
laid out in the compact shared between the
county and U.S. Navy known as the aircraft
installation compatible use zone (AICUZ).
The AICUZ acts as a guide to construc-
tion near the base that restricts building
projects that would bring in too many peo-
ple at risk should an aircraft accident occur
or excess air operations noise.
APZ 2 is actually several different sec-
tions of land surrounding the base and mov-
ing out into the Lexington Park interior.
Deputy County Attorney John Houser
explained to the Commissioners of St.
Mary’s County this week that the U.S.
Navy now considers fast food operations
as an allowable use in APZ 2.
“The predominant use of the [fast food]
restaurant is not to serve seated customers,”
Houser said of the reason the use is now
acceptable in the APZ 2. “You can have
some seating, so long as it’s not the pre-
dominant use.
“The Navy wants to decrease the con-
centrations of people.”
The specific use to be built in the rede-
veloped shopping center is a Starbucks
coffee shop, which figures in the zoning
County Government
Operations for Martin
Luther King Jr. Day Traffic Stop by Deputy
St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG)
administrative offices will be closed on
Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance
of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Offices
will resume normal operating schedules
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The January 15 closure also includes:
• St. Mary’s County Libraries
(Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, and
Lexington Park)
• The Animal Adoption & Resources
Center
• The Senior Activity Centers (Garvey,
Loffler & Northern) and no home-de-
livered meals
• The St. Mary’s Transit System (STS)
The following SMCG operations will be
St. Mary’s County Times
ordinance as a fast food operation, Houser
said.
“This is a pretty big deal that the Navy is
willing to allow more in the AICUZ,” said
Commissioner Eric Colvin.
“Everyone wants a Starbucks,” said
Commissioner Mike Hewitt.
The commissioners voted unanimously
— with one abstention — to authorize a
public hearing on the proposed zoning
change with a hearing set for Jan. 30.
Commissioner Scott Ostrow abstained
from the vote because he said that Atlantic
Realty had contributed to his political cam-
paign fund.
guyleonard@countytimes.net
open on January 15:
• Department of Recreation & Parks
programs and facilities
• St. Clements Island Museum, Piney
Point Lighthouse Museum, and the
Old Jail Museum
• The Convenience Centers and the St.
Andrews Landfill
• Wicomico Shores Golf Course (8 a.m.
– 4 p.m.); Riverview Restaurant (10
a.m. – 3 p.m.)
For more information on SMCG pro-
grams and operations, please visit: stmary-
scountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County
Government on Facebook or Twitter (X) for
regular updates.
ST. MARY’S COUNTY
CRIME BLOTTER
Sheriff’s Office Deputies
Recover Stolen Tags, Drugs
During Traffic Stops
While performing proactive patrols
throughout the county on Thursday, January
4, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary’s
County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) recov-
ered narcotics and stolen registration plates.
At approximately 10:12 p.m., Deputy
First Class (DFC) Tyler Westphal stopped a
2007 Dodge Caravan in Lexington Park for
a traffic violation. A K9 scan by Corporal
Philip Henry and K9 Maja led to a posi-
tive alert. Suspected crack cocaine and
related paraphernalia were located within
the vehicle. The suspect, identified as Jessie
Marie Russell, 40, of Great Mills, MD,
was placed under arrest and transported
to the St. Mary’s County Detention and
Rehabilitation Center.
Woman Arrested After New
Year’s Eve Fire
An investigation on New Year’s Eve
in St. Mary’s County led to the arrest of a
Mechanicsville woman after she started a
fire inside a home while two other people
were inside.
Wendy Hope Firebaugh, 64, was charged
last Friday after Deputy State Fire Marshals
determined she was responsible for set-
ting a fire inside a bedroom she rented.
Investigators learned that Firebaugh set the
fire while inside her bedroom while two
other people were inside the home.
Just before 9:000 a.m., the Mechanicsville
Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched
for a dwelling fire at 40231 Duke Road.
When they arrived, they were told the owner
had quickly extinguished a fire in a bedroom
Results in Drug Arrest
In the early hours of Tuesday, January
9, 2024, Deputy Tyler Westphal, while
conducting proactive traffic enforcement
in Lexington Park, MD, initiated a traffic
stop that led to a drug-related arrest.
At approximately 2:33 a.m., Deputy
Westphal stopped a 2005 Honda Civic for
operating without a front registration plate
and additional safety equipment violations.
The operator provided a false name, and
CDS paraphernalia was observed inside
the vehicle. A subsequent search uncov-
ered suspected crack cocaine and related
paraphernalia.
LOCAL NEWS 9
Later that evening, at approximately
11:59 p.m., in Mechanicsville, Dnico Awaun
Williams, 25, of Waldorf, MD, was stopped
by DFC Jessica Wilson for an equipment
violation when a subsequent investigation
revealed that the registration plates dis-
played on Williams’ vehicle were stolen
from Prince George’s County. Williams was
arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s
County Detention and Rehabilitation
Center, where he faces charges related to
the stolen registration plates.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
remains committed to ensuring the safety
and well-being of our community through
proactive law enforcement efforts.
rented to Firebaugh. The owner told inves-
tigators he was walking past Firebaugh’s
room when he smelled something burning
and Firebaugh coming out of the room.
While the man’s girlfriend called 911, he
extinguished the fire with a pan of water.
With the assistance of the St. Mary’s
County Sheriff’s Office, Firebaugh was
transported to MedStar St. Mary’s for an
evaluation.
On Friday, Firebaugh was charged with
first and second-degree arson, malicious
destruction of property less than $1,000,
and two counts of reckless endangerment.
She was transported to the St. Mary’s
County Detention Center and is currently
being held without bond.
The driver of the Honda Civic has been
identified as James Perry Bond, 33, of
Dameron, MD. A subsequent investigation,
including a check of the National Crime
Information Center (NCIC), revealed that
Mr. Bond was wanted for an outstand-
ing warrant through the Maryland Parole
Commission.
As a result of the findings, Mr. Bond
was placed under arrest and transported
to the St. Mary’s County Detention and
Rehabilitation Center and charged with
CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana and one
count of CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.
 Beef T-Bone
Steaks SAVINGS

10 9.98Lb. Professional butchers

St. Mary’s County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024
on site to assist
3.48 4.98Lb.
16-Oz. Hot Or Mild Certified Angus Beef
73% Lean, Family Pack
Fresh Ground
with all your meat
Swaggerty’s Boneless Beef
Sausage Roll London Broil
Beef customizations!

2.98Lb. 4.98
16-Oz., Selected
Oscar Mayer
Deli Fresh Lunch
Meat
23860 Hollywood Road, Hollywood, MD 20636
301-475-2531
5 10 1.98
3.2 To 4.3-Oz., Selected 15-Oz., Selected
/$ Oscar Mayer Ball Park
Lunchables Meat Franks

5.98Lb.
Certified Angus Beef

2 5
Boneless Beef
/$
Sold in 5-Lb. Bag, Frozen
Certified Angus Beef Clear Bag
TIME TO BEEF IT UP!
Top Round
Beef T-Bone Party Wings 9-Oz., Selected

9.90
Sau Sea
Steaks SAVINGS

9.98Lb.
Sauce

1-Lb., 16 To 20-Ct., Cooked,

5.98 3.98
P & D, Tail On Or 16-Oz.
Southern Seas Nature’s Best
Lb. EZ Peel Raw Lb. Tilapia Fillets

3.48 4.98
16-Oz. Hot Or Mild Certified Angus Beef
73% Lean, Family Pack
Swaggerty’s Boneless Beef
Lb. London Broil
Frozen Or Previously Frozen
Fresh Ground Sausage Roll
Baby Back
Beef 10.99Lb.
2.98Lb. 2.98Lb.
Pork Ribs
4.98
Delicious!
Ahi Tuna
16-Oz., Selected
Oscar Mayer
Deli Fresh Lunch
Meat

6.99 8.98Lb.
4 To 6 Oz. , Frozen Fresh Atlantic
Lobster Salmon

5/$10 1.98
3.2 To 4.3-Oz., Selected 15-Oz., Selected
Tails Fillets
Ball Park

Farm To Table
Oscar Mayer
Lunchables Meat Franks

2/$5
Sold in 5-Lb. Bag, Frozen

FAR
FARM M
Clear Bag
Party Wings 9-Oz., Selected

9.90
Sau Sea
Sauce

to
TABLE
TABLE
1-Lb., 16 To 20-Ct., Cooked,

5.98 3.98
5-Lb. Bag Farmer’s Finest 3-Lb. Bag, All Purpose P & D, Tail OnFarmer’s
Or Finest 16-Oz.
Sweet Seedless
Russet Large Green Medium Yellow SouthernLarge
SeasSlicing Nature’s
CaliforniaBest
Potatoes Bell Peppers Onions Lb. EZ Peel Raw
Cucumbers Lb.Navel Oranges
Tilapia Fillets
2.50 Ea. .88 Ea.
Frozen Or Previously Frozen
Baby Back
2.48 .88 Ea. 4/$5 Ea.
Pork Ribs 10.99Lb.

2.98Lb.
Delicious!
Ahi Tuna

6.99 8.98Lb.
4 To 6 Oz. , Frozen Fresh Atlantic
Lobster Salmon
9 To 10-Oz., Dinty Moore Or Selected 36-Oz., Selected 3-Pack, Selected 4.6 To 11-Ct., Selected
Tails
11.4 To 12.5-Oz., Selected
Fillets
9.4 To 14-Oz., Selected

Farm To Table
Hormel 12-Pack Act II Old El Paso Flour Tortillas Old El Paso Dinner Kits Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese
Compleats Maruchan Ramen Noodles Microwave Popcorn FINAL PRICE FINAL PRICE FINAL PRICE

2/ 4 2.98 2/$6
2/ 5
SALE PRICE

3.98 2/$7
SALE PRICE SALE PRICE

2.28 4.48 2/$3

$
DIGITAL COUPON
$ DIGITAL COUPON DIGITAL COUPON

1.00 1.00 1.00

FAR
FARM M
OFF TWO OFF TWO OFF TWO

t o
TABLE
TABLE
3 .7 To 4.12-Oz., Selected K-Cups
Or 24.5 To 25.6-Oz.
Russet
4-Pack, Selected
5-Lb. Bag
15-Oz., SelectedLarge Green
Hunt’s Snack Pack Potatoes Wishbone Salad Bell Peppers
Farmer’s Finest
10-Pack,
Capri Sun
3-Lb. Bag, All Purpose
Medium
Selected Yellow
Onions
8.8 To 12.9-Oz.,
Ritz Crackers
Cucumbers
Farmer’s Finest
Large Slicing
Selected
Sweet Seedless
California
35.3-Oz.
Navel Oranges
Coffee-Mate

3 4 2.50 Ea. 2.68 .88 Ea. 2 72.48 2/.88 4 5 Ea.

/$
Maxwell House Ground Coffee Pudding Dressing Fruit Drinks FINAL PRICE
Coffee Creamer
7
2/ 8
SALE PRICE

6.98
$
/$ /$ $ Ea.
7.48
DIGITAL COUPON

1.00
OFF TWO

9 To 10-Oz.,16-Oz., Selected
Dinty Moore Or Selected 8.2 To 9.56-Oz., Selected
36-Oz., Selected 10-Pack, Selected
3-Pack, Selected 4.6 To24-Oz, Selected
11-Ct., Selected 11.410.75-Oz.,Tomato Or
To 12.5-Oz., Selected 159.4
To To
16-Oz., Selected
14-Oz., Selected
Food Club
Hormel Kraft EZ-
12-Pack Kool-Aid
Act II Hunt’s
Old El Paso Flour Tortillas Old ElCampbell’s
Paso Dinner Kits Hunt’s
Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese
Peanut Butter
Compleats MacRamen
Maruchan CupsNoodles Jammers
Microwave Popcorn Pasta Sauce Chicken Noodle
FINAL PRICE Soup Manwich Sauce

2 5 4.48 1.98 42/54 42.98

5 2/$2/3$6
FINAL PRICE FINAL PRICE
2/ 5
SALE PRICE

3.98 2/$7
SALE PRICE SALE PRICE

2.28 2/$3
$
/$ DIGITAL COUPON /$ $ DIGITAL COUPON /$ DIGITAL COUPON

1.00
OFF TWO
1.00
OFF TWO
1.00
OFF TWO

WED THURS FRI SAT SUN MON TUES WE ACCEPT: STORE HOURS:
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
3 .7 To 4.12-Oz., Selected K-Cups 4-Pack, Selected 15-Oz., Selected 10-Pack, Selected Monday - Saturday 7am35.3-Oz.
8.8 To 12.9-Oz., Selected to 8 pm
Or 24.5 To PRICES FROMHunt’s Snack Pack
25.6-Oz. GOOD Wishbone Salad Capri Sun Ritz Crackers
SUNDAY 8 am to Coffee-Mate
7 pm
MaxwellJanuary
House Ground Coffee Pudding Dressing Fruit Drinks FINAL PRICE
Coffee Creamer
2/ 7
2/$8
SALE PRICE
10 THRU January 16, 2024

6.98 3 4 /$
2.68 2 7 /$ $
7.48
DIGITAL COUPON

1.00
OFF TWO
 Deals 5/ 5
Thursday, January 11, 2024
$ 3.98
SALE PRICE

DIGITAL COUPON

1.00
OFF TWO

St. Mary’s County Times

FINAL PRICE

2.98
3.98
SALE PRICE

DIGITAL COUPON

1.00
OFF TWO
FINAL PRICE

2.98
3.48
SALE PRICE

DIGITAL COUPON

.50OFF ONE
FINAL PRICE

2.98 2.98 11

Chill
Deals
29-Oz. Selected 10.75 To 12.3-Oz., Selected 5.3-Oz., Selected
22.5-Oz. Selected 15-Oz., Selected
10.7-Oz. Selected 7.5-Oz.,Selected
32-Oz. Combination Or Pepperoni 11.5 To 12.63-Oz.,
64-Oz., Selected Selected 7.2 To4-Pack, Selected
9.98-Oz., Selected
Tyson Boneless Eggo Chobani Jose Ole Marie Callender’s
Kraft Cheese Totino’s
Coffeemate FoodStouffer’s
Club Oikos
Smucker’s
Chicken Waffles Yogurt Taquitos SinglesPot Pies Pizza Rolls OrangeEntrees Yogurt

4.98 2/ 45/5.98 3.98 2/

2.985 2/ 6 2.98
Creamer Juice Uncrustables

5 $ $
FINAL PRICE FINAL PRICE
2/$5
SALE PRICE

1.98
2.98
SALE PRICE

$ $
FINAL PRICE FINAL PRICE FINAL PRICE

2.98 2.98
3.98 3.98 3.48
SALE PRICE SALE PRICE SALE PRICE

DIGITAL COUPON

1.00
DIGITAL COUPON

1.00
DIGITAL COUPON DIGITAL COUPON DIGITAL COUPON

OFF TWO
1.00
OFF TWO
1.00
OFF TWO
.50OFF ONE
OFF ONE

Honey Or Smoked
Kretschmar
Bakery & Deli Fresh
Virginia Ham

4.98 Lb.
29-Oz. Selected 10.75 To 12.3-Oz., Selected 22.5-Oz. Selected 15-Oz., Selected 7.5-Oz., Combination Or Pepperoni 11.5 To 12.63-Oz., Selected 4-Pack, Selected
Tyson Boneless Eggo Jose Ole Marie Callender’s Totino’s Stouffer’s Oikos
Chicken Waffles Taquitos Pot Pies Pizza Rolls Entrees Yogurt

4.98 5.98 3.98 2/$5 2/$6

FINAL PRICE

2/$4
FINAL PRICE
2/$5
SALE PRICE

1.98
2.98
SALE PRICE

DIGITAL COUPON

1.00
DIGITAL COUPON

OFF TWO
Deli Fresh! Deli Fresh! 1.00 OFF ONE

Kretschmar Kretschmar Yellow American

Pepper Jack Cheese Cheese

Honey Or Smoked Bakery

5.98 Lb. 5.98Lb.Fresh
& Deli
Kretschmar Sliced To Order,Original or Smoked
Virginia Ham Kretschmar
Turkey Breast

4.98 Lb. 4.98 Lb. 4-Oz., Selected

JJ’s
28-Oz., Selected
Benson’s
50-Oz., Double Layer
Cookies N’
Fruit
Deli Pies Pound Cake Deli Fresh! Cream Cake

5/ 4 6.98 Kretschmar 11.98

Fresh!
$
Kretschmar Yellow American
Pepper Jack Cheese Cheese

5.98and
Liquor Lb.
Beer 5.98Lb.
Sliced To Order,Original or Smoked
Kretschmar
Turkey Breast

10-Oz. Cans
24 Pack
4.98 Lb. 12-Pack Bottles
Corona
4-Oz., Selected
JJ’s
Fruit Pies
16-Oz. Aluminum Bottles 28-Oz., Selected
15-Pack Benson’s
Pound Cake
12-Oz. Bottles 50-Oz., Double Layer
18-Pack Cookies N’
Bud Light Extra Light Coors Light Miller LiteCream Cake

19.89 16.99 5/$4 16.99 6.98 11.98

14.99
Liquor and Beer
1.75L 1.75L 1.75L 1.75L
Tito’s Jim Captain Morgan Original Crown
Vodka Beam Spiced Rum Royal

30.49 28.99 26.99 42.99

10-Oz. Cans 12-Pack Bottles 16-Oz. Aluminum Bottles 12-Oz. Bottles
24 Pack Corona 15-Pack 18-Pack
Bud Light Extra Light Coors Light Miller Lite

19.89 16.99 16.99 14.99

Wine of the Month
1.75L 1.75L 1.75L 1.75L
Tito’s Jim Captain Morgan Original Crown
Vodka Beam Spiced Rum Royal

30.49 28.99 26.99 42.99

750 ML
750 Ml, Extra Dry 750ml, Cabernet Sauvignon Clos Du Bois
Korbel Josh Cellars Wines

8.99
Champagne Cabernet Sauvignon

14.98 13.98 Wine of the Month

 EXploRe
12 IN
LOCAL
OUR NEWS
COMMUNITY St. Mary’s County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024

Leonardtown
to Know
et
G

Leo nar dto w

n

The Old Jail Museum

OUR WINTER BREAK

IS ALMOST OVER!
RE-OPENING JANUARY 17
SEE YOU SOON!
WED & THU 10 – 4
FRI & SAT 10 – 5
Open Daily 10am to 5pm
41625 Courthouse Dr., Leonardtown, MD
stmarysmd.com/recreate/oldjail
 Thursday, January 11, 2024 St. Mary’s County Times IN OUR COMMUNITY 13

Naval Air Station Patuxent River News

United States Naval Test Pilot School
Graduates Class 163
The United States Naval Test Pilot School
(USNTPS) held a graduation ceremony for
Class 163 on December 14. 28 students suc-
cessfully completed the intense 11-month
course of instruction and received their
designations as Engineering Test Pilots,
Engineering Test Flight Officers, and Test
Project Engineer.
U.S. Army Col. David Phillips, Assistant
Program Executive Officer for Redstone Arse-
nal’s Program Executive Office for Aviation
in Alabama, delivered the keynote address.
Col. Phillips graduated from USNTPS in June
2006 as a member of Class 129.
The graduation ceremony took place at
the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department in
Hollywood, Maryland. Graduates included
members of the Israeli Air Force, Italian Air Willie McCool Outstanding Student Award sion, now USNTPS. The Capt. Syd Sherby USNTPS trains pilots and engineers for
Force, Italian Navy, Royal Australian Air for the top performing student in the cate- Award recognizes the student who displays development test and evaluation of aircraft
Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, U.S. Air gories of academics, flight performance, and exemplary leadership in the class. and aircraft systems. USNTPS is a com-
Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. technical report writing. Twenty students completed the require- ponent of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, the
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Aaron Kia, USNTPS Lt. Marius Bernotas earned the ments for the engineering test pilot course, developmental test wing under the Naval
Commanding Officer, and Dr. John Developmental Testing Thesis Award for seven students completed the engineering Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
Tritschler, Chief of Academics, presented the best final capstone report. test flight officer course, and one student, (NAWCAD) in Patuxent River, Maryland.
diplomas and offered congratulations to the Cmdr. James Brodtmann earned the Capt. the first enlisted graduate for USNTPS, ful- NAWCAD advances capability and opera-
new testers. Syd Sherby Leadership Awar, named after filled the requirements for the test project tional readiness for Naval Aviation.
Lt. Lucas Papadakis earned the Capt. the founder of the test pilot training divi- engineer course.

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 14 IN OUR COMMUNITY
Chesapeake Bay 2023 Fall Oyster Survey
Records Outstanding Spatfall
The Maryland Department of Natural
Resources’ Fall Oyster Survey recorded
a remarkable year for juvenile oysters in
Maryland waters, finding both prolific num-
bers and a widespread distribution through-
out many regions of the Chesapeake Bay.
The survey’s spatfall intensity index, a
measure of reproductive success and poten-
tial population growth for oysters, was 86.8
spat, or juvenile oysters, per bushel, nearly
four times the 39-year median of 23.6 spat per
bushel and the fifth highest in that timeframe.
“We have not recorded this extent of oys-
ter spat recruitment in the fall survey in a
generation,” said Department of Natural
Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “Both the
quantity and the wide distribution of spat
throughout the Bay, including several areas
where our biologists have rarely observed
spat in nearly 40 years of results, are out-
standing. We plan to build on these natural
spatsets by continuing oyster restoration
efforts and promoting aquaculture to bol-
ster the overall oyster population.”
This survey, which measures the popula-
tion status of oysters in the Bay, marks the
fourth consecutive year of above-median
results for juvenile oysters, a promising sign
for restoration efforts for the bivalve, which
has faced precipitous population declines
over the decades.
Aside from the spatfall intensity index, the
o n
g t e
i n i v
t
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1&2 bedroom
apartments
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St. Mary’s County Times
DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz joins Fishing and Boating Services staff analyze to oyster spat during the fall sur-
vey. Photo by Robert Bussell, Maryland DNR.
department looks to see how widely young
oysters are distributed throughout Maryland’s
oyster habitat. For example, the 1997 survey
produced the highest index in the history of
the survey at 277 spat per bushel, but the
spatset of that year was concentrated in par-
ticular areas of the Chesapeake Bay: the east-
ern portion of Eastern Bay, the Miles River,
the northeast portion of the lower Choptank
River, and in parts of the Little Choptank and
St. Mary’s rivers.
By comparison, the 2023 survey found
spat in areas where they are rarely observed,
including in the upper reaches of Bay tribu-
taries that are typically too brackish for strong
oyster reproduction. The distribution of the
2023 spatset far exceeded prior spatsets.
The Potomac River and two of its tribu-
taries, the Wicomico River and Breton Bay,
in addition to the Patuxent River and the
Tred Avon River, received a once-in-a-gen-
eration spatset. A supplemental survey in the
Potomac found numerous spat well above
the Route 301 bridge, an area where devas-
tating freshwater deluges of 2018-19 had all
but wiped out the oysters there. Eastern Bay,
where oysters have been in decline for over
a decade, also saw a significant increase in
spatset. Many of the areas that typically
receive high spatsets did so again in 2023:
the lower Eastern Shore, the lower Western
Shore, Broad Creek, and others.
This year, the department recorded spat at
50 out of 53 key bars, the primary sampling
sites for the spat survey. Spat have not been
recorded at this many key bars since 1985.
Environmental conditions, such as ade-
quate water salinity, play a role in successful
oyster recruitment. This past year, salin-
ity measurements have been above their
long-term averages due to below-average
rainfall in the watershed, providing ideal
conditions for oyster recruitment. However,
in some years, spatset may be lower than
expected despite adequate salinity condi-
tions, emphasizing that other forces influ-
ence recruitment.
While many factors played a part in
the 2023 spatset, Maryland Department
of Natural Resources scientists believe
the considerable numbers and distribution
recorded — in conjunction with the three
previous years of above-average recruitment
— are encouraging signs for ongoing man-
agement efforts.
Eastern oysters, the species found in the
Bay and parts of the Atlantic coast, are crit-
ical to the Chesapeake ecosystem. They are
an important food source and the reefs they
Thursday, January 11, 2024
form provide habitats for fish and crusta-
ceans. Each mature oysters can filter gallons
of water daily and consume algae, which
removes excess nutrients and helps clarify
the water.
Oyster harvesting is an economic engine
for Maryland watermen, second only to
crabbing in terms of dockside value. Over
time, overharvesting, habitat loss, pollu-
tion and oyster diseases have decimated the
population of oysters in the Bay, leading to
intensive management practices aimed at
bolstering the population.
The department works in consultation
with the Oyster Advisory Commission
to manage oysters in Maryland’s portion
of Chesapeake Bay in an ongoing effort
to increase the population and habitat as
well as to facilitate long-term, sustainable
oyster harvest. Following a three-pronged
approach to restoration, the department
protects 50% of the most productive oyster
bars in sanctuaries, creates new opportuni-
ties for oyster aquaculture, and utilizes a
data-driven management strategy for public
fishery areas.
Since 1939, the department and its prede-
cessor agencies have monitored the state’s
oyster population with an annual field sur-
vey — one of the longest-running programs
of this kind in the world. Locations moni-
tored include natural oyster bars, oyster seed
production areas, seed and shell planting
sites, and sanctuaries.
Oysters reproduce by external fertiliza-
tion, releasing their eggs and sperm into the
water column when triggered by both tem-
perature and the presence of gametes from
other oysters. The more closely situated
adult oysters are to each other, the greater
the likelihood of successful fertilization.
Once the eggs are fertilized, they develop
into free-swimming larvae and are subject to
wind, tides, currents, and a host of predators,
such that only a minute fraction survive to
settlement. At that time, using a tiny foot,
they seek out hard substrates, namely the
shells of other oysters, on which to attach
and remain for the rest of their lives. After
attachment, the juvenile oysters are known
as spat. By the following year, they have
reached sexual maturity and are considered
young adult oysters.
Despite the hostile environment for oys-
ter larvae and spat, some make it through,
sometimes in spectacular numbers. The
spatfall intensity index in 2020 (109 spat
per bushel), 2021 (43.9 spat per bushel), and
2022 (32.1 spat per bushel) were all well
above the 39-year average. A robust number
of mature oysters from these three previous
year classes is another influence that may
have driven the intensity and the distribution
of the spatfall up this year.
“Oysters are unique in that they are
environmental engineers, meaning they
create their own essential shell habitat as
they grow,” said Department of Natural
Resources Shellfish Division Director
Christopher Judy. “This large influx of
young oysters will help build a foundation
for more oysters in the future.”
 Thursday, January 11, 2024
St. Clement’s Island
Museum to Host
Annual Appraiser Fair
You may have an attic full of hidden
treasures and not even know it! Meet with
expert appraisers to determine the value of
your prized possessions at the St. Clement’s
Island Museum annual Appraiser Fair on
Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m.
The Appraiser’s Fair provides an oppor-
tunity for the public to learn the value of
their heirlooms and how to properly care
for them. Appraisers will be available to
offer oral appraisal to members of the pub-
lic for the following categories: fine arts,
dolls, coins, and currency. The fine arts cat-
egory includes ceramics, pottery, glassware,
artwork/paintings, music boxes and small
furniture pieces. Items in this category are
limited to two items per person at a fee of
$5 per item. Other category fees are $5 each.
Cash, credit card, and check are accepted.
The featured appraisers come from a wide
range of backgrounds and disciplines. The
“fine arts” appraisers include Dorie Lear,
a certified auction house appraiser; Henry
Lane Hull, proprietor of Commonwealth
Antiques and Appraisals; and Bill Curry,
proprietor of Hammer’s Antiques and
Collectibles. William Parron, proprietor
of the Bill Parron Coin Co, will be avail-
able to appraise coins and currency. Linda
Neeley of the Black-eyed Susan Doll Club
of Southern Maryland will appraise dolls.
Chamber of
Commerce Launches
National Civics Bee
Essay Deadline Extended to January 22
The St. Mary’s County Chamber of
Commerce is pleased to offer the 2024
National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed
at encouraging more young Americans to
engage in civics and contribute to their
communities. Organized in partnership with
The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Foundation, the competition
in St. Mary’s County will inspire middle
schoolers to become better informed about
American democracy, to engage respectfully
and constructively in the community, and to
build greater trust in others and institutions.
Middle school students from public, pri-
vate, charter, and home schools are invited
to take part in the first-round civics essay
competition. After a distinguished panel
reviews the 500-word essays, the top 20 stu-
dents will be selected to move on to the next
round of competition: a live quiz event to
test their civics knowledge. The St. Mary’s
County Chamber of Commerce will host
this live event on March 2, 2024 at Cole
Cinema, St. Mary’s College of Maryland,
co-sponsored by the Center for the Study
St. Mary’s County Times
Shari Mesh of Mesh Appraisal Services will
appraise jewelry.
The public will be seen on a first come
first served basis and are encouraged to only
bring items that can be hand-carried. Items
that do not fit these categories will not be
accepted for appraisal. Appraisals are not
certified; however, one can arrange for a
certified appraisal at a later date and time.
The public may experience long wait times
for fine art appraisers.
St. Clement’s Island Museum is located at
38370 Point Breeze Road in Colton’s Point,
MD. Call (301) 769-2222 or visit Facebook.
com/SCIMuseum for more information. The
museum is open seven days a week, from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
of Democracy and the Educational Systems
Federal Credit Union. The finalists and top
winners will receive various prizes, includ-
ing $500 cash for the first-place student.
“This is such an exciting opportunity!
Middle school students are invited to write
an essay on an issue that concerns them in
their community and how they can have an
impact through the lens of civics. Attendees
at the live event are also encouraged to test
their civics knowledge along with the stu-
dents.” said Christine Bergmark, CEO/
President of the St. Mary’s County Chamber
of Commerce. “Sponsors can help inlock
the potential of future leaders by purchas-
ing a sponsorship for the Civics Bee and
supporting the next generation of informed
and engaged citizens!”
The deadline for student essay submis-
sions has been extended to January 22,
2024. For more information to submit your
essay, sponsor the event, or register to attend
the live event, visit: National Civics Bee® -
St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce
(smcchamber.com)
IN OUR COMMUNITY 15
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16 St. Mary’s County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024
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 Thursday, January 11, 2024 St. Mary’s County Times IN OUR COMMUNITY 17

St. Mary’s College to

Host 20th Annual MLK
Prayer Celebration
NAS PAX RIVER

JOB FAIR

Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. at the 20th Annual Martin Luther King
Jr. Prayer Celebration on Monday, Jan. 15, at
St. Mary’s College of Maryland. This year’s
theme is Living the Dream: Hope, Courage
& Unity. The program begins at 8 a.m. in the
Campus Center Great Room. An optional
breakfast opens at 6:30 a.m., at a cost of $15
payable at the Great Room entrance.
This year’s keynote address will be
given by Rev. Trisch L. Smith, global
chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer
at Edelman; African Methodist Episcopal
Minister. Other speakers/performers will
include SMCM’s PING Vocal Ensemble;
SMCM President Tuajuanda C. Jordan; Rev.
Andrea Cummings, Zion Methodist Church;
Rhythm Club of Spring Ridge Middle
School; Casual Groove band; and more.
Participants are invited to be of service by
bringing items such as unopened packs of
diapers, baby wipes, baby wash and lotion,
diaper rash cream, and baby formula as there
will be a collection drive during the event to
support the Maryland Diaper Bank.
Volunteers will be on hand to collect
in-person donations for this worthy cause,
or participants can opt to donate online via
the organization’s Amazon Wish List. Please
include “2024 MLK Day of Service” as a
note when purchasing to show support for January 16 | 3pm–7pm
the initiative. Participants are also encour-
aged to donate non-perishable food items at the Naval Air Museum
as well.
The annual MLK event at the College JOBZONE offers 4 job fairs per year at the
draws local, state and federal government
officials; religious leaders; and citizens
Pax River Naval Air Museum
from all walks of life. The event is spon-
sored by St. Mary’s College of Maryland; 2024 Events: January 16 / April 23 /
St. Mary’s County Branch NAACP The August 20 / November 19
7025; St. Mary’s County Human Relations
Commission; St. Mary’s County Public Visit www.JobZoneOnline.com for new updates.
Schools; College of Southern Maryland; Ivy
& Pearls of So. Md. Community Charities;
Contact JobZone for more information.
and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Nu 434-263-5102 / 540-226-1473
Zeta Omega Chapter. Janet.Giles@JobZoneOnline.com
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is accred-
ited by the Middle States Commission on
Higher Education. St. Mary’s College, the
National Public Honors College, is ranked JobZone Job Fair Events:
as a top public liberal arts college by U.S.
News & World Report. Approximately 01/16/24 Patuxent River, MD
1,600 students attend the college, nestled on
01/18/24 Andrews AFB, MD
the St. Mary’s River in Southern Maryland.
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03/21/24 Springfield, VA - American Legion Post 176
04/23/24 Patuxent River, MD
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 18 OBITUARIES
In Remembrance
Mary Agnes Graves, 83
Mary Agnes
Graves, 83, of
Clements, Maryland,
passed away on
January 1, 2024,
at the residence
of her daughter in
Grampton. She was
born on December
9, 1940, in Leonardtown, Maryland to the
late Harry Victory Pilkerton Sr. and Mary
Marguerite Quade. She was the loving wife
of the late John Edwin “Eddie” Graves,
whom she married on July 12, 1958, at
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood,
Maryland and who preceded her in death on
November 6, 2001.
She was preceded in death by her daugh-
ter, Donna Lynn Russell (Andy) and her
granddaughter, Theresa Darlene Russell
Bradley. She was also preceded in death
by her siblings, Daryl Pilkerton Sr., Vivian
Pilkerton, Rachel Quade, Catherine “Kitty”
Huntington, and Harry “Bubba” Pilkerton Jr.
Mary Agnes is survived by her daughter
Melinda Lee Lyon and her husband Ronnie
Lyon, as well as her grandchildren, Amber
Lyon Ripple (Lewis), Kristen Russell Young
(Jeff), and John Adam Lyon. She is also sur-
vived by her great-grandchildren, Leighna
Bradley, Shayne Morse, Skylar Morse,
Vivian Ripple, Waverly Ripple, and her
siblings, Phyllis Gray (David) and June
Dalrymple (Ronnie).
Mary Agnes was raised in “Sugar Hole”,
near Oakley, where she made countless
meaningful memories with her parents,
siblings, and friends. She enjoyed remi-
niscing about her early years, including
the quality time spent with her father at
Triangle Garage. She attended Holy Angels
Sacred Heart School and was a parishio-
ner of Sacred Heart Church. After marrying
Eddie, they moved to Newburg where they
had two daughters and were tenant farmers
for the Simms family on the farm known
as “Ditchley”. In 1971, they purchased
the farm in Clements known as “Saint
Dougherty’s”, where they raised tobacco.
Mary Agnes worked side by side with Eddie
in his work as a tobacco farmer and water-
man. She later worked for and retired from
the Minitec Corporation in Hollywood.
After Eddie’s passing, Mary Agnes savored
time with her family. She enjoyed cooking,
listening to music, attending dances and
events at the Senior Centers. She spent her
final years frequenting dances and valuing
companionship with her dear friend, Jerome
Hammett, of Compton.
The family would like to express their
sincere appreciation for the care and kind-
ness provided to Mary Agnes, for the past
4 years, by all the staff at the Fresenius
Kidney Center, Leonardtown, MD. They
truly treated her like family.
The family will receive friends on
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00
p.m. with prayers at 7:00 p.m., at Brinsfield
Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood
Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev.
St. Mary’s County Times
To schedule an obituary in the County Times, submit text and picture to
aldailey@countytimes.net by noon on Tuesdays for publication on Thursdays.
Any submissions received after this deadline may run in the following week’s edition.
Kevin Fields on Wednesday, January 17,
2024 at 10:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic
Church, 23080 Maddox Road, Bushwood,
MD 20618. Interment will follow in the
church cemetery at 11:00 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Adam Lyon, Shayne
Morse, Skylar Morse, Ernie Graves, David
Graves, and Richard Gray.
Memorial contributions may be made to the
Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, P.O.
Box 871847, Kansas City, MO 64187 or the
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th
Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Condolences to the family may be made
at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral
Home, P.A.
Carol Harris, 93
Carol Worden
Harris was born on
August 27, 1930,
in Manhattan, New
York City, NY,
to Edson Giffen
Wolf Worden and
Madelene Grace
Belcher Worden. She
grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, NYC with
her younger brother Edson. She graduated
from Forest Hills High School, then earned a
Bachelor of Art in 1951 from Beaver College
(now Arcadia University) in Glenside,
Pennsylvania, majoring in Fine Arts.
Carol met Chuck Harris in Philadelphia,
and they married on June 27, 1959.
Eventually they moved to Glenside, PA,
where they raised three children. They
moved to Solomons, MD, in 1998. After a
lengthy decline, she peacefully entered the
presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 6:30 pm,
surrounded by her husband, children, and
daughter-in-law.
Carol is survived by her loving family:
husband Chuck of Solomons, MD, sons
John (Tita) of Lexington Park, MD, and
Jim (Kamilla) of Anderson, SC, and daugh-
ter Jennie (Monty Cornwell) of Lexington
Park, MD; grandchildren Daniel (Montana)
of Mechanicsville, MD, Maija Filer (Jordan)
of California, MD, Heidi of Sarasota, FL,
Isaiah (Allie) of Anderson, SC, Emma of
Anderson, SC, and Grace of Anderson, SC;
great-grandchildren Hudson, Brooks, Elena,
and Claire, all of Mechanicsville, MD;
brother Edson Allen Worden of Somerville,
AL; and sister-in-law Marjorie Harris of
Wynnewood, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her mem-
ory can be made to Faith Bible Church in
Mechanicsville, MD.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even
though our outward man is perishing, yet
the inward man is being renewed day by
day. For our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, is working for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while
we do not look at the things which are seen,
but at the things which are not seen. For the
things which are seen are temporary, but the
things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Rose Lee Thompson, 99
Rose Lee
Thompson, “Rose
Lee”, 99, of Avenue,
MD, passed away on
December 28, 2023
at her home. Born
on June 13, 1924 in
Cobrum Wharf, MD,
she was the daughter
of the late Rose Milburn (Farrell) and the late
Bruce Johnson Quade. Rose Lee was the lov-
ing wife of the late Louis Marshall Thompson,
whom she married on July 26, 1942 in Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD, and
who preceded her in death on August 4, 2008.
She is survived by her children, Margaret
Taylor (George -Deceased) of Saint Michaels,
MD, Buddy Thompson (Debbie) of Avenue,
MD, Benny Thompson Deceased (Mary)
of Mechanicsville, MD, Donnie Thompson
(Debbie) of Mechanicsville, MD, and Rose
Mary George (John) of Avenue, MD, 18
grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, 29
great-great grandchildren, and one great-great
grandchild due in April. In addition to her hus-
band and parents, Rose Lee was preceded in
death by her brothers Charles Truman Quade,
Louis Benjamin Quade, Johnson Bruce
Quade, and James Leonard Quade, two grand-
children, and two great grandchildren.
Rose Lee was a lifelong resident of
Avenue, MD in St. Mary’s County. Her
passion was working with her flowers
and gardening. Rose Lee enjoyed helping
out her friends in their time of need, and
volunteered at Holy Angels Sacred Heart
School making homemade biscuits for the
students; she worked all church dinners up
until she was 94 years old, and also helped
her husband at Holy Angels and Knights
of Columbus Bingos. She enjoyed spend-
ing time with family and cooking all of
their favorite foods. Rose Lee loved to play
cards and bingo, go to lunch with friends,
and watch Youtube with her great grand-
children, as well as make memories with
her bestie, Kate.
The family will receive friends on
Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 5:00 PM
to 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM
in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home,
Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January
12, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Holy Angels
Catholic Church, Avenue, MD with Rev.
Kevin Fields officiating. Interment will
follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery,
Bushwood, MD. Serving as pallbearers will
be Johnny George, Jereme George, Tina Fay
Gale, Donnie Thompson, Donnie Thompson,
Jr., and Tony Hodges. Honorary pallbearers
will be her grandchildren, great grandchil-
dren, and great-great grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to the 7th
District Rescue Squad and Holy Angels
Catholic Church.
Condolences may be made to the family
at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-
Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation
Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Virginia Butler, 80
Vi rg i n i a A n n
Butler, 80, of Great
Mills, MD, passed
away on December
29, 2023 at her
home. Born on June
3, 1943, she was the
daughter of the late
Wearn Mason and
the late Veronica Thompson. Virginia was
the loving wife of the late Francis Aloysius
Butler, who preceded her in death on
December 17, 2019. She is survived by her
children, Grace Helen of Lexington Park,
MD and Marshall Delgado of Bushwood,
MD, her sister Theresa Briscoe, as well
as three grandchildren. In addition to her
husband, she was preceded in death by her
brother Joseph Briscoe, Sr.
Virginia was a lifelong St. Mary’s County,
MD resident and was a teacher for the
County School System.
The family will receive friends on
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 10:00 AM to
11:00 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
Bushwood, MD, where a Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM with
Rev. Kevin Fields officiating. Interment will
follow at the church cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family
at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-
Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation
Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Pauline Drapeau, 90
Pauline “Polly”
or “Paula” Drapeau,
90, of Charlotte Hall,
MD, passed away at
home on December
18, 2023. She was
born January 21,
1933 in Prestonsburg,
KY to the late Brice
Little Shepherd and Susie Johnson.
Pauline joined the US Air Force in 1952,
and was stationed in San Antonio, TX, where
she met and married her beloved husband,
Edward “Ed” Drapeau, on December 24,
1954, and together they raised five children.
In her younger years, she enjoyed cooking,
sewing, socializing, and dancing. A nature-
lover and expert gardener, she also wrote
poetry, loved reading, and was always ready
for a lively conversation. More recently, her
focus was on her family, neighbors, and her
precious gardens; as long as she was able
to spend an hour or two outdoors each day,
she was happy.
She is survived by her son, George
Drapeau (Jo) of Little River, SC, Stephen
Drapeau of Oakland Park, FL, Gary Drapeau
(Elaine) of Georgetown, SC, and Suzanne
Matheke (Dan) of Eastlake, OH; grand-
children Ed Drapeau, Mike Drapeau, Kyle
Drapeau, Matthew Drapeau, Luke Drapeau,
Jackie Drapeau, Jessica Drapeau, Carrie
Long, Bekka Baltzell, Nicole Benson, and
Sherry Wilber; 13 great-grandchildren; and
sisters Sue Haywood, Sharon “Sherry”
 Thursday, January 11, 2024
Hagerman, Angela “Angie” Pewsey, Julia
“Julie” Williams, and Cindy Brawner.
She was predeceased by her husband,
parents, son Michael, and sisters: Aileen
Shepherd, Dorothy “Dot” Montgomery, and
Cathleen “Cathy” Shepherd.
Services will be at a later date.
Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home,
Charlotte Hall, MD.
Condolences to the family may be posted
at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com
Bubby Knott, 77
Lifelong resi-
dent, Joseph Duane
(Bubby) Knott,
77 passed away
at MedStar SMH
in Leonardtown,
Maryland with his
beloved family by
his side.
Bubby was born on September 1, 1946
in Leonardtown, Maryland to Joseph Irving
Knott and Hazel Theresa Knott (Dyson). He
was one of nine children. His parents owned
and ran Take It Easy Ranch along with an
excavation company, where Bubby gained
his knowledge of excavation.
Bubby was always a visionary with a
BIG personality and an even bigger heart.
He had a passion to build a company to
grow, serve and enhance his local commu-
nity. He had a can-do attitude and expected
the same of others.
Bubby graduated from Great Mills High
School and married Deborah Foster in 1970.
Together they built a successful business and
raised their two children, Karen and Bobbie
Jo. While their life together wouldn’t last
forever as they had hoped, they built a leg-
acy that lives on. Bubby was blessed with
two grandchildren, Lauren and Jack, and
they were the light in his sky blue eyes.
As life moved on, Joann Stauffer and her
daughter, Vicky came into his life. Bubby
raised and loved Vicky as his own. He was
lucky enough to have 3 bonus sons, Mark
Cullison, David Lloyd Adams, and David
Ernest Adams, Jr and they worked along
beside him.
Throughout his life, Bubby was passion-
ate about giving back to others. While he
was an impactful Philanthropist supporting
many meaningful causes and charities; he
gave so much more to many. His impact on
the community went well beyond monetary
donations. His bigger than life personality
and shared life experiences impacted more
people than we will ever know. He was well
known for his expansive Christmas light dis-
play at Flat Iron Farm that became a family
tradition to people near and far.
His other great passions included local
Women’s softball, as well as other baseball
and softball leagues throughout the county.
You would often find him coaching his girls
on both Ranch Bar and Trading Post teams.
In addition to softball, Bubby loved auc-
tions and tractor pulls. He loved old things
and bringing new life into them. He could
always find value in things of the past and
liked hanging onto history of better times.
St. Mary’s County Times
Bubby is survived by loving daugh-
ters, Karen Siebert (Martin) and Bobbie Jo
Goddard; his grandchildren, Lauren Farrell
(Bradley) and Jack Siebert; his sisters, Joan
Adams, Mary Rita, Archer, Ann Lumpkins
(Ronnie), Susan Wise (Charles), and Julie
Reece; his companion, Joann Stauffer and
stepdaughter, Vicky Gibson; step grandchil-
dren, Mitch Goddard (Morgan) and Mason
Goddard; step great grandchildren, Gauge
and Oakley Goddard, along with many loved
nieces and nephews. Bubby felt blessed to
know and grow his community with his
extended family members, many close
local business owners, childhood friends,
and community members. Bubby’s life in St.
Mary’s County was fulfilled by serving his
community, helping to make other’s lives
better, providing hope for a better future,
and giving of himself with each endeavor
he pursued. He is predeceased by his par-
ents, Irving and Hazel Knott; his brothers,
Michael, Mark and Joey Knott; and son in
law, Bill Goddard.
Serving as pallbearers will be David
Lloyd Adams, David Ernest Adams Jr.,
Martin Siebert, Jack Siebert, Bradley
Farrell, Justin Welch, Joseph Miesowitz and
Steve Miesowitz. Honorary pallbearers will
be Danny Raley and Mark Cullison.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests
donation to be made to St. Mary’s Caring,
P.O. Box 144, Lexington Park, MD 20653 or
Hospice House of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625,
Leonardtown, MD 20650. Bubby would want
everyone to continue to support and uplift St.
Mary’s County for all generations to come.
John Perkins, 83
John Carey
Perkins, beloved son,
brother, husband,
father, grandfather
and great-grandfa-
ther, left this world
on October 15,
2023 aged 83 years.
John was raised
in Leonardtown, MD, the older of the two
children of Carey Jones Perkins and Helen
Kemple (Dunn) Perkins. John grew up attend-
ing Lexington Park Baptist Church which
began in 1946. He made his profession of
faith by being baptized in the Potomac River.
John was in the first class to attend Frank
Knox Elementary School as a 1st grader in
1944. The school was touted as “state of the
art” and was built to accommodate families,
like John’s, who had come to the area to serve
at Patuxent Naval Air Station.
Growing up, John held many jobs in the
Leonardtown area. As a boy, he worked for
Leonardtown Dairy, delivering milk for
businesses and homes, and ran the pony
ride concession at the drive-in. As an older
teen, he worked the concession counter at
the Leonardtown theater and also as a con-
struction helper for Jim Raley.
John enjoyed anything creative. He had
a love of, and a talent for, art. As a member
of the first graduating class of Leonardtown
High School in 1957, he designed the school
seal and class ring. John also designed the
In Remembrance
school’s mascot, The Trojan Head, a sculp-
ture of which stood in the school entrance
for many years. After high school, John
attended the Corcoran School of the Arts
and Design in Washington, DC.
Following a tour with the U.S. Army
during which he was stationed in Turkey,
John began a career with the National
Security Agency that would span more
than 40 years and include two tours in
Cheltenham, England. He and his young
family enjoyed many trips to Europe while
living in the UK. After returning to the U.S.,
he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Political Science from the University of
Maryland and a Master of Science degree
from the Defense Intelligence Agency. He
and his wife, Corinne, raised three children
in Bowie, MD. John spent the last five years
of his life in Annapolis, MD.
John’s interests included archeology,
architecture, travel, and gardening. He
enjoyed any activity in which he could work
with his hands. He took a number of craft
classes over the years and fashioned several
pieces of jewelry for Corinne. Corinne was
unequivocally the love of John’s life. They
were together since high school and, after
her passing in 2004, John never remarried.
John was predeceased by his parents,
Carey and Helen Perkins of Leonardtown,
MD, and his adored wife, Anne Corinne
(Gerwig) Perkins. He is survived by his
loving children Cheryl McGowan (Tom)
of Alpharetta, GA, Brian Perkins (Lori)
of Davidsonville, MD, and Christopher
Perkins (Autumn) of Edgewater, MD. He is
also survived by his sister, Linda Chakales,
of Williamsburg, VA, two nieces, seven
grandchildren and one great grandson.
A private interment of ashes will be held
at the Crownsville Veteran’s Cemetery at
a future date. In lieu of flowers, the fam-
ily requests those wishing to honor John
consider a donation to the Hospice of the
Chesapeake in Pasadena, Maryland. The
wonderful staff there provided excellent
care during his final days.
Anna Fannon, 68
On Thursday,
January 4, 2024,
Anna Pearl Fannon,
age 68, passed from
health complications
surrounded by loved
ones in Hagerstown,
MD. She was born
on August 31, 1955
and was a 1972 graduate of Chopticon High
School. She spent most of her career as an
insurance agent alongside her brother at the
family’s insurance agency, Stone’s General
Insurance. Anna was preceded in death by
her parents, Dwight and Zelda Stone, as well
as her brother, Harry Stone. She is survived
by her partner, Ray “Frosty” Fannon, her
two children, Sharon McCoy Rosado and
Danny McCoy, their spouses, and her seven
beloved grandchildren. She will be greatly
missed for her generosity and great sense
of humor. A memorial service will be held
at a later date.
OBITUARIES 19
Jecee Pratt, 32
Jecee Leighe
Pratt was born on
November 26, 1991
in Glens Falls, NY to
Preston Pratt, Jr. and
Carrie Pratt (now
Carrie Judy). She
passed surrounded by
family in her home
on December 3, 2023 in Great Mills, MD.
Jecee spent her life surrounded by family,
friends, and nature, always trying to bring
people together. She always spoke her mind
and never shied from helping those close
to her.
Jecee continues on in her daughter,
Madison Pratt; father, Preston Pratt, Jr.;
mother, Carrie Judy; sister, Lacey Pratt; and
brothers, Robert Pratt, Dale Judy, and Josef
Judy, as well as all of her extended family.
Services are private.
Condolences to the family may be made
at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral
Home, P.A.
Jan Brooks, 68
Janet Lorraine
Brooks, 68, of Piney
Point, Maryland
(‘Jan’ to most and
‘Ganny’ to a few)
passed away in her
sleep December
30th, 2023 at her
home. Jan had
recently celebrated the Christmas holiday
with her family catching up on old times
with lots of laughs and a lot of love.
Jan was born in Hixson, Tennessee
on September 1, 1955, then moved to
California where she grew up spending
time with her extended family. She would
fondly reminisce over the good times. Jan
and her family later moved on to Florida,
Maine and, lastly, to Maryland. Jan enjoyed
watching her crime shows, listening to old-
ies music, and spending time with her cats.
Jan is survived by her only daughter, Kerry
Ann McGuiggan, of Lexington Park, MD,
her one granddaughter, Desirae McGuiggan,
her mother, Mary Emma Bingaman, her sis-
ters Natalie (Tommy) Woodburn and Jenice
Porter Bushnell of Florida, her nephew,
Casey Woodburn, and her niece, Tommie
Jean Redmond.
At Jan’s request there will be a private
service for immediate family. For those
who knew Jan, we hope all find solace in
Vince Gill’s song ‘Go Rest High On That
Mountain’.
Condolences may be made to the family
at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-
Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation
Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
 20 CALENDARS St. Mary’s County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024

St. Mary’s Department of Aging & Human Services

Programs and Activities
Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-475-4200, ext. 1658
Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1080
Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 3101

Unless otherwise specified, all activities are open to Senior Activity Center participants ages 50+. Please call your local Senior Activity Center or visit StMarysMD.com/aging for the most up-to-date information.

WARM Program Seeks Volunteer Drivers
With colder weather settling in, St. Mary’s
County Government’s Department of Aging
& Human Services (DAHS) is seeking vol-
unteer drivers for the Wrapping Arms ‘Round
Many (WARM) program, which provides
emergency shelter during winter months for
homeless individuals in St. Mary’s County.
DAHS coordinates transportation for the
WARM program, to include the recruit-
ment and scheduling of volunteer drivers.
Drivers must be 18 years of age or older
and have a valid driver’s license. Volunteers
will be given access to a county-owned van.
Volunteer slots are open seven days per week
while WARM is operational.
Volunteer drivers are divided into evening
and morning shifts. Evening drivers pick up
WARM guests at the Church of Ascension
at 5:30 p.m. for transportation to their host
site for the evening. Morning drivers arrive
at the host site by 7 a.m. the next morning
to transport guests back to the Church of
the Ascension.
This year’s WARM season will end
Sunday March 31, 2024. This is your oppor-
tunity to make a difference for those expe-
riencing homelessness in our community.
To volunteer, contact Ursula Harris at 301-
475-4200, ext. 1658, via email to Ursula.
Harris@stmaryscountymd.gov.
Teen Court Program Seeking Volunteers
Are you looking for a volunteer oppor-
tunity in the new year? Consider volunteer-
ing with the St. Mary’s County Teen Court
Program! Teen Court is designed to reduce
the number of youthful offenders and edu-
cate youth in an actual court environment.
Teen Court is a juvenile justice diversion
program offering the first-time misde-
meanor offenders, ages 11-17, and first-
time traffic offenders under the age of 18,
the opportunity to accept accountability for
their minor crimes without having to incur
a permanent criminal record or traffic court
fines and points. Teen Court is a voluntary
program that allows juvenile respondents to
be judged by a jury of their peers.
The Teen Court Program also provides
our county teens who are interested in our
judicial system an opportunity to help their
fellow teens and gain first-hand knowledge
of the court system. Several of our teen
attorneys have proceeded to utilize the expe-
rience gained through this program in their
future goals and careers Please contact the
Teen Court Coordinator with any questions
or to join our dedicated staff of volunteers
who make this program work for the bene-
fit of all the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
For more information, visit www.stmary-
scountymd.gov/TeenCourt/ or contact Teen
Court Coordinator Greg Jones at 301-475-
4200, ext. 1852, or TeenCourt@stmary-
scountymd.gov.
Basketball for Ages 50+
Pick-up basketball games will be held in
the gymnasium at Margaret Brent Recreation
Center on Fridays, January 5–April 26,
from 10 a.m to noon. Games are open to
both males and females. Advance registra-
tion is required; a minimum of 8 players is
needed to run the session. Cost is $30 pay-
able in advance at the Garvey Senior Center.
Advance registration is required. For more
information, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1080.
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
Join us at Northern Senior Activity Center
on Tuesdays, January 9-February 13 from
1-3:30 p.m and start doing something won-
derful for yourself by improving your life
even while dealing with a chronic health
condition! This evidence-based program,
led by certified co-leaders MarieNoelle
Lautieri & Debbie Buckler, was developed
by Stanford University to help people with
chronic conditions take charge of their life.
There is no charge for taking this class; how-
ever, a commitment to regular attendance is
needed for good results.
Memoirs for Your Grandchildren
Joyce Haderly will again present this
popular class at the Loffler Senior Activity
Center on Thursdays, Jan. 18-Feb. 22, at
12:30 p.m. (6 sessions) Joyce will show you
how to choose special memories from your
lifetime and write about them so that your sto-
ries can be passed down to current and future
generations. What may have been everyday
events to you will be fascinating knowledge
to great-great grandchildren- what better
way for them to gain that knowledge than to
read your very own words? Register for this
course at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/aging
or leave a message on our reservation line at
301-475-4200, ext. 1660.
AARP Smart DriverTM Safety Course
The AARP Smart Driver™ Safety Course
will be held at Northern Senior Activity
Center on Monday, January 29, from 9
a.m.-3 p.m. with an hour lunch break at
11:30 a.m. This program includes empha-
sis on roundabouts, pavement markings,
stop-sign compliance, red light running,
and safety issues such as speeding, seat
belt and turn signal use. The fee is $20 for
AARP members and $25 for non-members.
Payment is due to the instructor on January
29 payable by cash or check. Register by
visiting www.stmaryscountymd.gov/aging
and click “View & Sign Up for Activities &
Programs.” If assistance is needed, leave a
message at 301-475-4200, ext. 3115.

Publisher Thomas McKay

Associate Publisher Eric McKay

General Manager
Al Dailey aldailey@countytimes.net

Advertising
Jen Stotler jen@countytimes.net

Staff Writers

County Times Dick Myers

Guy Leonard
dickmyers@countytimes.net
guyleonard@countytimes.net

P. O. Box 250 Contributing Writers

Hollywood, MD 20636 Ron Guy, Shelby Opperman, Dave Spigler

Providing trusted service to the community for over 100 Years
41590 Fenwick Street • P.O. Box 270 • Leonardtown, Maryland 20650
www.mgfh.com
The St. Mary’s County Times is a weekly newspaper providing news and infor-
mation for the residents of St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County Times will
be available on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is published by Southern
Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and pol-
icies of the newspaper. The St. Mary’s County Times does not espouse any political
belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage.
To be considered for publication, articles and letters to the editor submitted must
include the writer’s full name, address and daytime phone number. Submissions must
be delivered by 4 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication to ensure
placement for that week. After that deadline, the St. Mary’s County Times will make
every attempt possible to publish late content, but cannot guarantee so. Letters may
be condensed/edited for clarity, although care is taken to preserve the core of the
writer’s argument. Copyright in material submitted to the newspaper and accepted

(301)-475-8500
for publication remains with the author, but the St. Mary’s County Times and its
licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. We are unable to
acknowledge receipt of letters. The St. Mary’s County Times cannot guarantee that
every letter or photo(s) submitted will be published, due to time or space constraints.
 Thursday, January 11, 2024
St. Mary's Community Calendar
To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email timescalendar@countytimes.net with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication.
Thu, Jan 11
Emotional Well-being through CBT
Yoga: Mindfulness in Action
Northern Senior Activity Center
29655 Charlotte Hall Rd, Charlotte Hall
2:30 p.m. to 4:30p.m.
Cost: $20
One of the beautiful gifts that yoga offers
us is a chance to sit with our emotions and
begin to work through them. Emotional
well-being is an important part of holis-
tic wellness. In this workshop led by Paty
Masson you will experience the inner work
of each asana (yoga pose) and the flow of
love and energy that comes with it. Relaxing
stretching which allows to identify and mod-
ify undesirable emotions through gentle jour-
ney that will end up with a long savasana with
Tibetan bowls to harmonize the frequencies
of the body, mind, and soul. Paty is certified
in RYT® 500, CBT, and Qigong.
To register visit www.stmaryscountymd.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Library 101: Parent
Resource Refresher
Dealing with homeschool burnout?
Come learn about the ways the Library
can help! Homeschoolers and Parents
can benefit from learning about all
the resources the Library has to offer!
Lexington Park Library on Friday, Jan-
uary 12 from 10 – 11 a.m. We’ll go over
navigating the physical Lexington Park
Library, searching the catalog, all of
our online resources and how to ac-
cess them, using your library account
and smartphone apps, and more!
You’ll leave with a whole collection of
bookmarks and printouts to walk you
through everything and also inform
you about anything we may not have
time to fully touch on. This program
is aimed specifically towards homes-
choolers & parents, so we will be pay-
ing specific attention to our library ser-
vices that are geared towards children
and families. This includes resources
to help with finding materials for differ-
ent subjects, using our online Home-
work Helper, our Apps, Events that
we offer, and so much more! Kids are
welcome to come along! We will have
St. Mary’s County Times
gov/Aging/Activities-Programs/.
Mon, Jan 15
ELKs Texas Holdem Tournament
St Mary’s County Elks Lodge
45779 Fire Department Ln., California
7 p.m.
Buy-in: $35.00. Blinds will start at 25-50
and progress every 20 minutes. Please enter
through the side of the building. For any
question or additional details contact:
James Dean
240-577-0828
jdeanjunior@gmail.com
Fri, Jan 19
NARFE Meeting
Olde Breton Inn
crafts set up to keep them occupied while
you learn! Register on www.stmalib.org.
Library Holiday Hours
All three locations of the St. Mary’s
County Library will be closed on Mon-
day, January 15 in observance of Martin
Luther King Jr. Day. All locations will be
open on Tuesday, January 16.
Science of Flight
Join us for fun, hands on learning, in
the Science of Flight at Lexington Park
Library on Wednesday, January 17 from
6 – 7 p.m. Using Stomp Rockets, Paper
Airplanes and Whirly-Copters, children
8-12 will learn about the principles of
flight, conduct experiments and answer
questions about what makes things fly.
Register on www.stmalib.org.
Intermediate 3D Printing
Interested in designing 3D models
and 3D printing? Join us as we cover the
browser-based 3D modeling program,
TinkerCAD, as well as how to use Pru-
saSlicer to prepare files for 3D printing.
Two sessions available – Leonardtown
Library on Wednesday, January 17 from
Leonardtown
11:30 a.m.
The National Active and Retired Federal
Employees Association (NARFE) Chapter
#969 of St. Mary’s County invites current and
prospective members to attend a luncheon
meeting at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, January
19 at the Olde Breton Inn in Leonardtown.
Mr. John Greely, Vice President of
Operations at MedStar St. Mary’s, and col-
leagues will discuss the hospital’s various
offerings to the community.
Luncheon will be served buffet-style at a
cost of $17.00. For reservations, which are
required, contact Boyd Loflin at 240-317-5660
or two4paws@gmail.com by January 17.
WAG: Mac ‘n Cheese Night!
Patuxent Presbyterian Church
23421 Kingston Creek Rd., California
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WAG January event: Join us for the
2 - 3:30 p.m. and Lexington Park Library
on Sunday, January 21 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Some experience with 3D print technol-
ogies is recommended, but not required.
This is an in-person class held in the
Computer Lab and Makerspace. Register
on www.stmalib.org.
St. Mary’s County Library
Strategic Plan Focus Groups
St. Mary’s County Library is updating
our Strategic Plan! We are working with
Library IQ to complete the planning pro-
cess and will have an updated plan by
mid-2024. We have been collecting data,
and now it is time to involve you via focus
groups! Please join our consultant at one
of our public focus groups to tell us your
thoughts and hopes for the future.
Charlotte Hall Library, Monday, Janu-
ary 22 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Lexington Park Library, Tuesday, Janu-
ary 23 from 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Leonardtown Library, Tuesday, Janu-
ary 23 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Register on www.stmalib.org.
CALENDARS 21
Working Adults Group (WAG) Mac ‘n Cheese
night on Friday, January 19th at 7:00 p.m. at
the Joshua House (house behind the church).
Please bring your Mac ‘n Cheese for a taste
off! Or bring a different side dish to share.
Sat, Jan 20
Wicomico Shores Three Club Challenge
Wicomico Shores Golf Course
35794 Aviation Yacht Club Rd.,
Mechanicsville
8 a.m. to 1p.m.
An 18-hole tournament where each player
may only use three clubs! (Yes, a putter is
a club). Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd
and 3rd places. Multiple tees will be used to
assure everyone has a fair chance. We will
use the GHIN handicap system.
Call the golf shop to sign up or ask ques-
tions. 301-884-4601
Targeting Lighthouses: Civil
War on the Potomac River
Karen Stone, Division Manager of
the St. Mary’s County Museums, will
give a special seminar highlighting the
role of the Potomac River and light-
houses during the American Civil War
at Leonardtown Library on Tuesday,
January 23 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. The Po-
tomac River has always been busy, but
in the 19th century, it got considerably
busier and more hazardous with the
introduction of steamships. The Riv-
er was also full of dangerous shoals
and narrow turns, making it necessary
to install aids to navigation, includ-
ing lighthouses and light vessels. By
the start of the American Civil War,
six aids of various types were in use
on the Potomac between Alexandria,
Virginia and Piney Point, Maryland.
All of these aids were targeted by the
Confederates at one time or another.
Join us as we explore the conditions
on the Potomac River during the Civ-
il War, especially in reference to the
lighthouses and light vessels, and the
dangers they faced. Register on www.
stmalib.org.
22 St. Mary’s County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024

r
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Laundry Services, Errand running and Grocery services, Organizing
and Packing/Moving services (on a smaller scale), Pet sitting & HANDYMAN SERVICES BY TOM
Walking, Power Washing, Window Cleaning, Grass Cutting, Elderly • Drywall • Bathrooms • Sundecks
Care & Assistance, Boat Cleaning, Weeding Gardens, Gutter • Painting • Kitchens • Roofing
Cleaning, Help around the house, Help getting back and forth to • Carpentry • Basements • Siding
the Doctors, Trash And Junk Removal All Types of Repairs
AND SO MUCH MORE! We are a full-service home improvement company located
in Mechanicsville and serving all of Southern Maryland.
ALL FOR A LOW PRICE! FREE ESTIMATES
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business owners • Determine your own income

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Thursday, January 11, 2024 St. Mary’s County Times
CLUES ACROSS
1. Defensive nuclear weapon
4. Moved back and forth
9. One-time coach of the Cowboys
14. Last letter
15. Cause to become less intense
16. Genus of tree bugs
17. Body art
18. Romance novelist
20. Be filled with love for
22. City
23. Make vivid
24. Horses
28. Mauna __, Hawaiian volcano
29. Atomic #18
30. Shortly
31. A type of prejudice
33. Whirls
37. Six
38. Old world, new
39. __ Hess, oil company
41. Talk
42. Not off
43. Begets
44. Cars need them
46. Computing architecture (abbr.)
49. Of I
50. Journalist, activist Wells
51. Takes apart
55. Lists
58. Positively charged electrode
59. Hard, colorless compound
60. Inflammation of the peritoneum
64. Trent Reznor’s band
65. Simply dry fruit
66. “Ivanhoe” author
67. Google certification
68. French commune
69. Medieval circuit courts
70. Soviet Socialist Republic
JANUARY 4 SOLUTIONS
23
CLUES DOWN
1. Indigenous people of Mexico
2. Dietary supplement
3. Having a particular sheen or luster
4. Views
5. Academic Bill of Rights
6. Automobile
7. When you anticipate arriving
8. Beef or chicken intestine
9. Conspiracy
10. Blood disorder
11. Long-time NBAer Shawn
12. Time zone
13. US, Latin America, Canada belong to
19. Upton Sinclair novel
21. What a cow does
24. Cavalry-sword
25. Ancient Greek war galley
26. Stars
27. Rebukes
31. Billion year periods
32. Some are in a bottle
34. Tears down
35. Lethal dose
36. Humorists
40. Midwestern US state (abbr.)
41. Frameworks
45. Rocker Billy
47. More thin
48. Dog
52. Habitual repetitions
53. State of fuss
54. Uneasy
56. Chemical compounds
57. More cognizant of reality
59. A place to build
60. Exclamation that denotes disgust
61. Supplement with difficulty
62. Very slick
63. Hill or rocky peak
 9 CALENDARS
Calvert Community Calendar
To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email timescalendar@countytimes.net with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication.
Thu, Jan 11
Teen Anime Night
Calvert Library Southern Branch
13920 H. G. Trueman Road, Solomons
6-7:30 p.m.
Come hang out with other anime fans.
Watch your favorite anime series on the big
screen and eat Japanese snacks (no raw fish).
For ages 13-18. Please register., 410-326-
5289. https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Calvert Library Prince Frederick
850 Costley Way, & Zoom
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Get tips and support from other caregiv-
ers. Facilitated by Jeannette Findley & JC
Hooker. 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Fri, Jan 12
On Pins & Needles
Calvert Library Prince Frederick
850 Costley Way
1-4 p.m.
Bring your quilting, needlework, knit-
ting, crocheting or other project for an after-
noon of conversation and shared creativity.
410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862. https://
CalvertLibrary.info.
Sat, Jan 13
Brain Games: Mahjongg
Calvert Library Southern Branch
13920 H. G. Trueman Road, Solomons
12-3 p.m.
Want to learn Mahjongg? Already know
but want to play? Games are a great way
to keep your brain sharp while having fun!
Join us! Please register. Interested in read-
ing about Mahjongg? Take a look at what
the library has. For accessibility accommo-
dations, please contact us at least 2 weeks
before the event. 410-535-0291. 410-326-
5289. https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Jewelry / Earring Workshop: Wire
Wrapping Basics
Calvert Library Fairview Branch
Rt. 4 and Chaneyville Road, Owings
2-4 p.m.
Do you ever feel stressed and wish you
had a relaxing hobby to enjoy? Join us to
create wire wrapped earrings, learn how
to use jewelry tools and work with wire
while listening to meditation music on
Calvert County Times
Freegal. You will leave with finished ear-
rings and basic wire working knowledge
to create your own jewelry at home with a
new appreciation for meditation and relax-
ation surrounding art. Please be aware each
workshop covers the exact same material,
choose one date to join us! For accessibility
accommodations, please contact us at least
two weeks before the event. 410-535-0291.
410-257-2101. https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Mon, Jan 15
Holiday Event: Martin Luther King Jr.
Day
Calvert Marine Museum
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us as we shine the light on peace and
harmony in our local community. Make a
public commitment to your community by
posting it on a promise wall sign. Find inspi-
ration from the many quotes by Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. and the many contributions
of civil rights heroes in Maryland scattered
throughout the museum. Hear a small clip
of the “I Have a Dream” speech and listen
to a few stories. Learn a little background
about Martin Luther King Jr. and how his
dream of peace is expressed by others at 11
a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Harms Gallery. For
more information, visit calvertmarinemu-
seum.com)
Wed, Jan 17
Grooving and Moving
Calvert Library Southern Branch
13920 H. G. Trueman Road, Solomons
9:30-10 a.m. and 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Join us for Grooving and Moving where
we will use music and movement to start the
day! Fans of Storytime will enjoy this music
session as we move, play instruments and
sing together. For ages Birth - 5. 410-326-
5289. https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Tween Book Club
Calvert Library Southern Branch
13920 H. G. Trueman Road, Solomons
2-3 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join other book lovers during this fun
book club! We will be reading and discuss-
ing fabulous books. Did we mention there
will be healthy snacks?! Miles Morales is a
normal kid who happens to juggle school at
Brooklyn Visions Academy while swinging
through the streets of Brooklyn as Spider-
Man. After a disastrous earthquake strikes
his mother’s birthplace of Puerto Rico,
Miles springs into action to help set up a
fundraiser for the devastated island. Copies
will be available at the Southern Branch of
Calvert Library or place a copy on hold here.
410-326-5289. https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Book Discussion
Calvert Library (Zoom), 2-3:30 p.m.
Join us for a lively discussion about
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus!
Register in advance to receive the Zoom
link via email. For accessibility accommo-
dations, please contact us at least two weeks
before the event. 410-535-0291. Calvert
Library, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Helping Your Child Manage Big
Emotions
Calvert Library Prince Frederick
850 Costley Way, and Zoom
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Does your child have meltdowns you
would love to prevent? Do you want to
help your child learn how to regulate their
emotions and become a self-aware prob-
lem-solver? “The Zones of Regulation”
will help you learn regulation strategies
to teach your child for managing emotions
and sensory needs. Focused on ages 4+.
Presentation followed by Q&A. In partner-
ship with Calvert County Public Schools.
Rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, the
framework uses colors to help individuals
identify how they are feeling in the moment
given their energy, emotions, and level of
alertness. By understanding how to read
their bodies, detect triggers, think about
the social context, and consider their reac-
tions, individuals learn a system for how
to increase their ability to regulate their
emotions, manage their sensory needs,
and become more self-aware and skillful
problem solvers. 410-535-0291 or 301-855-
1862. https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Dungeons & Dragons – ADULT
Calvert Library (Zoom/Roll20)
6-9 p.m.
Come have fun with D&D, a role play-
ing game for adults of all experience levels.
Registration required. 410-535-0291 or 301-
855-1862. https://CalvertLibrary.info.
Reading Buddies: Young Readers
Calvert Library Fairview Branch
Rt. 4 and Chaneyville Road
Owings, 6-7 p.m.
At this event, elementary-aged children
will do fun activities and read out loud to
teen volunteers. Teen volunteers can earn
one service learning hour for participating.
It’s a great way to socialize and build read-
ing confidence! Register for the event. Bring
favorite books, or pick one of ours when
you get here—we have plenty! Stuffed ani-
mals are welcome! 410-257-2101. https://
Thursday, January 11, 2024
CalvertLibrary.info.
Thu, Jan 18
Little Minnows
Calvert Marine Museum
10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
This month’s theme is “Are they Fish?
Starfish.” For preschoolers ages 3 – 5, with
an adult. This program focuses on one of
the museum’s three themes. Join us for story
time and craft, available while supplies last.
Sessions are 25 – 40 minutes. Sign up at the
Admissions Desk when you arrive. Included
with museum admission.
Ongoing
New Exhibit! Backyard Ballads
Calvert Marine Museum
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily
Be sure you catch our newest micro
exhibit, Backyard Ballads, which will be
on display throughout the year. This exhibit
will inspire visitors to engage in citizen sci-
ence by learning how to create a welcom-
ing bird habitat in their own yard, as well
as learning how to identify our native bird
species. Included with museum admission.
Upcoming
Maritime Performance Series: DICK
HENSOLD AND PATSY O’BRIEN
Calvert Marine Museum
Friday, Jan. 19
7 p.m.
Dick Hensold is one of the lead-
ing Northumbrian smallpipers in North
America, and Patsy O’Brien is a singer,
songwriter, and guitarist from County Cork
in Ireland. Music born from the age-old tra-
ditions of Ireland, Scotland, England, and
Cape Breton is given new life in the hands
of two of its Master musicians, delivering
an evening of songs, tunes, and stories that
have stood the test of time. Performance is
in the museum’s Harms Gallery starting at
7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. with beer and
wine for sale. Tickets are $20 online, up to
one day prior, and $25 the day of the concert
and at the door.
Southern Maryland Bluegrass
Calvert Elks 2620
1015 Dares Beach Rd., Prince Frederick
Sunday, Jan 14
2 p.m.
Bluegrass concert featuring Lonesome
River Band
 Thursday, January 11, 2024
Accidental Fire
Damages Owings Home
By Dick Myers
Staff Writer
An accidental fire at a single-family
home in Owings in the early morning hours
of Jan. 8 caused an estimated $300,000
damage to the structure and $50,000 dam-
age to the contents.
According to the Office of the State Fire
Marshal, the fire was reported at 4:18 a.m.
at the home on Mt. Harmony Lane. It took
50 firefighters 45 minutes to bring the blaze
under control. Huntingtown Volunteer Fire
Department was first on the scene of the
fire. None of the firefighters were injured.
Fire-Rescue-EMS
Moves to New Location
Calvert County Fire-Rescue-EMS has
settled into our new home at the Calvert
County Public Safety Building, 110 Main
Street im Prince Frederick. The building
is on the corner of Armory Road and Main
Street).
To access the building, turn into our
parking lot off Armory Road and you will
find the entrance to the building there and
our Fire-Rescue-EMS Offices are located
on the second floor.
This move is all about making our ser-
vices more accessible and convenient for
Calvert County Times
According to the fire marshal’s office,
“The accidental fire occurred as the result
of combustibles in the area of a wood burn-
ing furnace lighting. The three occupants
of the home were able to escape without
injury. The homeowners will be assisted
by family and friends.”
The owner/occupants of the home were
listed as Burell & Vera McPeak.
The fire marshal reports there was no
smoke or fire alarm/sprinkler systems pres-
ent in the house.
dickmyers@countytimes.net
you, our valued volunteers and community
members.
Please take a moment to update your
records with our new address. If you have
any questions please reach out to us at (410)
535-1600 ext. 2368.
Your safety and well-being are our top
priorities, and we are excited to continue
serving you from our fantastic new home
on Main Street.
Submitted by FREMS Division Erin Ward
CALVERT COUNTY
CRIME BLOTTER
During the week of December 25 –
December 31, 2023, Calvert County
Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to
1,548 calls for service throughout the
community.
Damaged Property: 23-92513
On December 29, 2023, DFC Dymond
responded to the community park in the area
of Abbington Manor Drive and Holland
Cliffs Road in Huntingtown, for the report
of damaged property. The complainant
advised sometime between 5 p.m. on Dec.
28 and 10 a.m., on Dec. 29, unknown sus-
pects cut down three road signs. The signs
were on poles inserted into the ground with
a concrete base. The complainant noted this
is the 5th time the poles have been cut down/
damaged. The estimated value of the dam-
aged property is $1,500.00.
Damaged Property: 23-92535
On December 29, 2023, DFC Grierson
responded to the 3700 block of Harbor
Road in Chesapeake Beach, for the report
of damaged property. The complainant
advised sometime between 11 p.m. on Dec.
28 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 29, an unknown


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LOCAL NEWS 8
suspect(s) keyed the victim’s vehicle. The
estimated value of damaged property is
$1,200.00.
Property Destruction: 23-92011
On December 27, 2023, Deputy Baxter
responded to the 3900 block of Shamrock
Court in Port Republic, for the report of
property destruction. The complainant
advised sometime between 10:30 p.m. and
11:45 p.m., unknown suspects egged the
victim’s vehicle parked in the driveway.
The vehicle was covered in ketchup and
mustard and the taillights had been bro-
ken out and were missing. The estimated
value of the damaged property is $240.00.
The estimated value of stolen property is
$40.00.
Anyone with information about these
incidents is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office
at (410) 535-2800 and reference the case
number provided. Citizens may remain
anonymous thru the ‘Submit a Tip’ fea-
ture on the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office
mobile app. To download, visit https://apps.
myocv.com/share/a39520678 . Tipsters may
also email ccsotips@calvertcountymd.gov


 
 7 LOCAL NEWS Calvert County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024

Mailers Going Out on Poll Changes

By Dick Myers
Staff Writer
The Calvert County Board of Elections
will be mailing out information cards this
month relating to citizens the changes in
the county’s polling places for this year’s
primary and general elections.
Elections Administrator Gail Hatfield
told the Calvert County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) at their Jan 9
meeting, “On November 30th, 2023, the
State Board of Elections approved both our
early voting and our polling place plans
for the upcoming 2024 elections in Calvert
County. The plans included several changes
including moving the Northern Early Vote
Center from the Fairview Library to the
Ward Farm Park. There are several polling
place changes also for election day. The
first one was changing the precinct bound-
ary between the Precinct 1-3, which is St.
Leonard Elementary School and Precinct
1-4, which is Mutual Elementary School.
Changing the location of the polling
place for Precinct 1-5, which is Patuxent-
Appeal Elementary campus, to Southern
Community Center, which is 20 Appeal
Lane in Lusby. Changing the location of
the polling place for Precinct 1-7, which
was Mill Creek Middle School to Patuxent
High School. Also changing the location of
Precinct 3-6, which was Northern Middle
School to Northern High School. And then
also the last one was changing the location
of 3-7, which was the Fairview Vote Center
to also Northern High School.”
To inform citizens, Hatfield said, “The
Calver County Election Board is develop-
ing an outreach program to inform all the
voters of these changes. The board will
begin to mail out voter notification cards to
all affected citizens by January 19th. Each
card will have a bright label on the outside
informing that voter that their polling place
has changed, and they need to open this
immediately. Additionally, we are going to
post the information on our social media for
voters to expect mailings to arrive in their
mailboxes soon.” There also will be a media
campaign.
Hatfield further explained, “There’s also
going to be a second mailing, which will
be a postcard that’s going to be sent right
around March 1st to all the Dunkirk voters,
St. Leonard voters and Lusby voters where
any of these changes were taking place.
This mailing will not only list all the vot-
er’s polling locations, but it’s also going to
have information about absentee voting and
early voting on this postcard. Also, the final
mailing before the primary will be the sam-
ple ballot, which is scheduled to be mailed
out on April 12th, 2024. This will also have
the polling place locations highlighted again
on the front page.”
She said her office will also be scheduling
meetings with groups to inform members of
the changes.
Hatfield said, “It has no additional impact
on our current budget. We are hoping that
it won’t affect it at all, but of course you’ve
got the cost of all the identification cards that
are going out, plus the postcards, which we
are getting quotes for now.”
Hatfield noted, “Every voter notification
card that’s going out in the mail has a very
bright, either pink, bright green or bright
yellow. And it literally says open immedi-
ately. Your polling place has changed. So,
we’re hoping this will entice the voters not
to throw it out, but to open it, read it, and
then there’s going to be another postcard
with the same information on it, not even
about a month later. Only this time, we’re
going to add other options of voting in it.
This is your polling place, but if you want
to avoid lines or anything, you can also have
the options to vote by mail or to vote early.
And here are all the early vote sites.”
Commissioner President Buddy Hance
observed that if a voter did show up at the
wrong polling place, they could still cast a
provisional ballot there instead of having to
go to their pilling place.
Commissioner Vice President Catherine
Grasso praised the changes in Dunkirk.
Hatfield said, “I believe it is a much bet-
ter location. It’s accessible. They’re not
walking through a field. If it rains, there’s
no ruts. Wheelchairs can easily go.” And
there’s more parking she noted.,
Hatfield, who had been in the election’s
office for 38 years, quipped, “It’s not my
first rodeo.” She added, “but it is important
for the voters to be reminded more than once
to me. Absolutely. The more I send it out,
the more they will see it and hopefully they
will take advantage of it.”
dickmyers@countytimes.net

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 Thursday, January 11, 2024
County Applies for
Cable Homestretch
Grant
By Dick Myers
Staff Writer
The Calvert County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) has applied for
a Connect Maryland: Home Stretch—
Difficult to Serve Properties Grant. The
grant is intended to secure monies for
the final phase of the broadband buildout
which will have connected every home that
wants service, the first county in the state to
accomplish that.
Grants Management Program Specialist
Danielle Russell, in a memo to the com-
missioners read at the Jan. 9 meeting,
explained, “On Dec. 15, 2020, the BOCC
committed funding to complete the build-
out of Comcast cable infrastructure
throughout Calvert County. Calvert County
Government, in partnership with Comcast
Cable Communications, LLC, has obtained
two grants in the past to fund Phases I, II
and III of the buildout. The Fiscal Year
(FY) 2021 Infrastructure Grant award of
$2,259,694 connected 325 homes and the
FY 2023 Infrastructure Grant award of
$942,223 will connect 36 homes.”
Russell went on to explain, “Calvert
County Government, in partnership with
Comcast Cable Communications, LLC, sub-
mitted a response to the Connect Maryland:
FY 2024 Home Stretch – Difficult to Serve
Properties (HS-DSP program) Notice of
Funding Opportunity (NOFO) issued by
the Office of Statewide Broadband (OSB).
The county and Comcast seek a grant to
defray the cost of constructing connections
from existing networks to the residences of
Calvert County. Assuming the funding max-
imums for the county, Comcast, and State
contributions, 137 residences will receive
connection at a total cost of $2,200,000;
if individual connections are less than the
maximum cost, the number of connected
residents will increase. These are mid-
dle- and last-mile residents located in the
county’s most rural areas. Calvert County’s
Comcast Service Extension Map is available

    
       

    
 
  
       
      
Calvert County Times LOCAL NEWS 6
Bowen's Grocery
Family Owned & Operated Since 1929
The Charm and Quality of the Past with the Convenience and Variety of Today
USDA Choice Beef
“Our Own” Freshly Ground Chuck
Steaks • Pork Chops • Fresh Chicken
FULL LINE OF GROCERIES, MEAT, PRODUCE
Berger & Otterbein's Fresh MD Crab Meat
Specialty Cookies Lump • Jumbo Lump
Frozen Crab Cakes
From Dalys Seafood Hershey’s “BEST”
Full Service Meat Department Hand-Dipped Ice Cream
Custom Orders Welcome 12 Taste Tempting Flavors
on the Comcast Buildout page of our county
website.”
Fresh Rolls Chicken Half Gallons - 30 Flavors!
She said, “The county is asking for $1.1 Hot Soups Salad Pints • Ice Cream Cakes
million from the state to cover a maxi- Sandwiches
And Subs Homemade Amish Baked Goods
mum of $8,000 per address. Comcast is
willing to fund 33 percent of the total cost
of all approved addresses up to $4,000 Hot & Cold Desserts
per address. The county will fund up to Delivered Weekly
$4,000 per address over the approximate Hot Lunch Specials Large Variety
drops, revisable based on assessed need Available Monday - Friday
so that Comcast can accommodate longer
lengths depending on the amount of funding
available.”
WINE • COLD BEER LOCAL HONEY
Special Projects Program Manager EXCHANGEABLE PROPANE TANKS
Ashley Staples-Reid told the BOCC she
4300 Hunting Creek Rd • Huntingtown, Maryland
would be able to give a timetable for when
the work would be complete in 30 days, 410-535-1304 follow us on facebook 410-257-2222
depending on whether the grant is approved. MON-FRI 6 AM - 8 PM • SAT-SUN 7 AM - 9 PM
She said of Phase 3, “So far, we have done
Here for
157 homes, which is about 23 miles of infra-
structure, at about $2.4 million. We are in
progress with 53 homes, and we still have an
outstanding 174 homes. So, we’re a little bit
over halfway there if you include the pend-
ing projects, which are slated to be done
You
within the next couple of months. So, it is
definitely taking longer than anticipated, a
little bit longer than Comcast had projected
with us when we agreed to our phase 3 MoU
(memorandum of understanding). But we
are getting there.”
Commissioner President Buddy Hance
observed the entire project would cost
upwards of $6 million, with most through Pursue your
grants.
“We’ve been able to defer actually having
hobby, indulge in
to use general funds and franchise fees,” free entertainment,
Staples-Reid responded.
“And a lot of happy citizens,” Hance
seek self-
noted. She replied, “Yes, some happy, some improvement.
not so happy with the process.”
Even though residents agree to have Feel the joy
the line extended to their home, they are
not required to commit to service and its of discovery.
monthly fee.
dickmyers@countytimes.net
Visit your
public library
to reconnect.
  
Books Music Movies Events for All Ages Computers

Free Wi-Fi Meeting Space DIY & Hobby Resources
 5 LOCAL NEWS
Lawmakers Look Ahead to General Assembly
By Guy Leonard and Dick Myers
Staff Writers
The State of Maryland is facing a $2
billion deficit, rising costs for providing
virtually all services and the need to find a
way to pay for hundreds of millions of dol-
lars in additional education funding — the
Blueprint for Education — during this year’s
General Assembly session in Annapolis.
The General Assembly began to meet
for the 446th time Jan. 10 and while Gov.
Wes Moore has said he is against raising
taxes, local elected leaders are wary that
such increases will come through either his
budget or through legislature.
Del. Todd Morgan, who represents south-
ern Calvert and middle St. Mary’s County,
said he is concerned that the governor’s green
energy agenda might have negative effects on
the operations of the county’s biggest eco-
nomic engine — NAS Patuxent River.
“My mission No. 1 is to protect Pax River
[NAS],” Morgan told The County Times a
week before the state legislature reconvenes.
“If there’s something in the climate agenda
that hurts the mission there, I’m against it.”
The governor has set the state on an ambi-
tious program of eschewing the use of fossil
fuels and Morgan said the state government
should be put greater emphasis on nuclear
power, but that sector of the energy market
has not received such attention.
“Calvert Cliffs [nuclear power plant] pro-
duces 37 percent of the state’s electricity and
does it at a 95 percent efficiency rate.
“Why isn’t nuclear energy included in the
green energy discussion?”
There are still forces who want to place
wind turbines in the nearby Atlantic Ocean,
Morgan said, a carry-over project from more
than 10 years ago and a prior administration,
but he vehemently opposes that effort.
“Those wind turbines jeopardize the mis-
sion at Pax River,” Morgan said. “That’s our
Atlantic Test Range… anytime the green
agenda is pushed it threatens Pax River.”
Senator Michael Jackson (D: 27) told
The County Times, “We’ll be looking at a
myriad of priorities and trying to achieve
progress on improving our transportation
infrastructure, combatting drug addiction,
meeting our education and climate goals,
and reforming our juvenile justice system.
I’d also expect that our biggest issues this
year are going to revolve around the pro-
jected budget shortfalls that we’re facing.”
Jackson said, “I’m working on several
local and statewide bills this year. In my
capacity as Chair of the Senate Veterans
Caucus, I have multiple bills geared toward
serving Veterans and their families. I also
have a few bills related to public safety and
to protecting the needs of our most vulner-
able populations.”
Sen. Jack Bailey (R: 29) supplied The
County Times with a list of bills he has
prefiled:
• Public Safety Senate Bill 7 – Public
Safety - Law Enforcement Agencies -
Positive Community Feedback would
require police agencies to keep a record
of positive feedback that the agencies
receive about its officers and allows
the release of that information under
the Maryland Public Information Act.
This would ensure that police depart-
Calvert County Times
Del. Todd Morgan
ments and the public have access to
the full picture of a law enforcement
officer’s record.
• Senate Bill 26 – Criminal Law –
Manslaughter by Vehicle or Vessel
– Increased Penalties (Jamari’s Law)
would increase the existing maximum
penalties for felony manslaughter by
vehicle or vessel from 10 years to 20
years for a first offense, and from 15
years to 30 years for a subsequent
offense. This bill is named “Jamari’s
Law” for Jamari Duckett, a Great Mills
resident who tragically lost his life in
an accident caused by a driver who
was drunk and traveling at a high rate
of speed.
• Senate Bill 108 – Income Tax –
Subtraction Modification – Police
Auxiliary and Reserve Volunteers
would combine the current subtraction
modification for volunteer fire, rescue,
and emergency medical services mem-
bers and police auxiliaries and reserve
volunteers so that the amounts of
these deductions would become and
remain equal. The current deduction
for volunteer fire, rescue, and EMS
members is $7,000, while the deduc-
tion for police auxiliaries and reserve
volunteers is $ 5,000. Senator Bailey
is proud to recognize and support the
work of our state’s volunteer reserve
police officers by sponsoring this leg-
islation to resolve this disparity.
• Senate Bill 130 – Criminal Law –
Indecent Exposure Within the Presence
of a Minor would strengthen penalties
for indecent exposure within the sight
of a minor in Maryland. The current
penalty for all instances of indecent
exposure is a maximum of 3 years
in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
This legislation would change those
maximum penalties to a maximum of
5 years in prison and a fine of up to
$10,000 in cases involving indecent
exposure with prurient intent when a
person knows or should know a minor
is present.
• Senate Bill 166 – Waterway Incident
Notification System (WINS)
Workgroup would study the feasibil-
ity of establishing a Waterway Incident
Notification System to notify members
of the public, including recreational
boaters and commercial watermen, of
Sen. Michael Jackson
active waterway emergencies involv-
ing a person at risk of death or seri-
ous bodily harm, emergency marine
events, or marine hazards. The work-
group would also explore potential
partnerships between the State, the
Coast Guard, the Navy, and nearby
states to notify boaters of these inci-
dents. Supporting Our Local Small
Businesses
• Senate Bill 32 – Economic
Development – Maryland Watermen’s
Microloan Program – Eligibility
ensures that Maryland watermen who
hold commercial licenses from the
Potomac River Fisheries Commission
are eligible for the Maryland
Watermen’s Microloan Program in the
same manner as a resident who holds
a commercial license from the State.
• Senate Bill 183 – State Procurement
– Prompt Payment of Suppliers was
introduced following Senator Bailey’s
discussions with owners of local busi-
nesses who currently work on State
projects. While there is an existing
law requiring prompt payment of State
subcontractors, this does not apply to
businesses deemed by the State to be
suppliers. This has led to several of
our local small businesses not being
paid for their work or materials in a
timely manner as they deserve. This
legislation expands the prompt pay-
ment statute to ensure that these sup-
pliers are compensated appropriately
and quickly in the same manner as is
currently required for subcontractors.
• Natural Resources Senate Bill 152
– Fishing Licenses and Stamps –
Exemptions – Residents Eligible for
Assistance Programs is an initiative of
the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s
Caucus to exempt Marylanders who
receive support certain government
programs such as TANF, SNAP, WIC,
and Medicaid from recreational fishing
license fees. This is based off of sim-
ilar programs in place in other states,
such as North Carolina and Florida.
• Senate Bill 207 – Natural Resources –
Northern Snakehead – Common Name
would rename the snakehead as the
“Patuxent Fish,” with the intention of
making it easier to market to consum-
ers, which would increase demand and
lead to a greater economic incentive
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Sen. Jack Bailey
for Marylanders to remove this inva-
sive species from our waterways.
• Supporting Our Communities Senate
Bill 158 – Cannabis Licensing –
Zoning Requirements – Alteration
would repeal provisions of law enacted
by last year’s cannabis legalization bill
that exempted certain cannabis facil-
ities from needing to be approved by
a county or municipal zoning board.
Senator Bailey has introduced this leg-
islation in response to the concerns of
the residents of the Seventh District
regarding the cannabis facility being
built in Abell.
• Education Senate Bill 63 – Motor
Vehicles - School Vehicle Drivers -
Medical Examinations changes the
current State requirement for school
bus drivers to pass medical examina-
tions from annually to up to every two
years, with individual school systems
retaining the ability to require these
examinations more frequently. This
will make Maryland’s requirements
consistent with current federal require-
ments, as well as those in neighbor-
ing states, including Pennsylvania,
Delaware, and Virginia. This increased
flexibility will give local school sys-
tems a larger pool of prospective bus
drivers to choose from to alleviate cur-
rent driver shortages without sacrific-
ing student safety.
• Protecting Consumers Senate Bill 172
– Private Passenger Motor Vehicle
Insurance – Premium Increases –
Collisions with Wild Animals would
prohibit insurance companies from
increasing auto insurance premiums
as a result of a driver’s collision with
free-roaming wild animals for which
the insured was not at fault for the loss.
• Public Health Senate Bill 117 – Health
– Newborn Screening Program –
Krabbe Leukodystrophy would add
Krabbe Leukodystrophy to the list of
potential disorders that are required
to be included as part of the State’s
Newborn Screening Program
Bailey said he would be introducing addi-
tional legislation over the course of the 2024
Legislative Session.
guyleonard@countytimes.net
dickmyers@countytimes.net
 Thursday, January 11, 2024
Public Transportation Dunkirk, Lusby Police
to Become Fareless Substations to Open
Change to Become Effective July 1
By Dick Myers
Staff Writer
The Calvert County Board of County Com-
missioners has opted to eliminate fares for
using the county’s public transportation sys-
tem. The new policy will be effective July 1.
Director of Community Resources
Jennifer Moreland, at the commissioners’
Jan. 9 meeting, had presented the idea as a
pilot project. But Commissioner President
Buddy Hance quickly jumped on the idea as
making sense as a permanent policy.
Moreland said, “In March 2020, with the
start of the pandemic, the Department of
Community Resources Public Transporta-
tion Division, along with the public transit
systems worldwide experienced signifi-
cant declines in ridership. They continue
through today. This decline in ridership cre-
ates a substantial decrease in farebox rev-
enues, fares passengers pay.”’ She said the
result is that the fares are an insignificant
percentage of the transportation budget.
Moreland noted, “Most recently, Charles
County VanGo and the town of Alexandria
have transitioned to a fare free model,” add-
ing that the transition in Charles has been
without a hitch and ridership is up.
Transportation Division Chief Sandy
Wobbleton said, “As of right now, we’re
still only about 70 percent of our ridership
previous to when the pandemic hit. Our
farebox revenue is still barely at two per-
cent of what our operational cost is. So as
far as offsetting the cost with the farebox
revenues, it doesn’t really make that much
of a dent in the total cost.” Annual fare rev-
enue is between $20,000 and $25,000.
Moreland said, “The highest proportion
of trips that we provide for work and med-
ical, 97 percent of riders, do not have a car;
68 percent do not possess a driver’s license.
And 63 percent of individuals have income
under $14,999, that’s our 30 percent area
median income level we’re talking about.”
Moreland added, “We have a lot of seniors
that ride our transit and mostly to meet their
nutritional needs at the senior center.”
Fatal Motor Vehicle
Collision in Huntingtown
Members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s
Office Patrol Bureau responded on Jan. 5
at approximately 9:42 a.m., to the area of
Plum Point Road and Kimberly Lane in
Huntingtown, for the report of a head-on
motor vehicle collision.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies identi-
fied two vehicles - a 2001 Peterbilt tow truck
and a 2018 Ford Edge involved in the crash.
Preliminary investigation revealed
the Ford Edge operated by Gregory L.
Cristarella, 73, of Huntingtown, was trav-
eling westbound on Plum Point Road
approaching Kimberly Lane when multiple
witnesses observed Cristarella driving on
Calvert County Times
Director of Community Resources Jennifer Moreland
Wobbleton said, “As we all found out
during the pandemic, transportation is a
vital infrastructure. It was one of the things
that basically did not shut down. We ran
continuous service, so we were there.”
Another issue is the fareboxes themselves.
The commissioners were told they cost
$15,000 each and are no longer being made.
Moreland said they have some parts but after
that if they fail, they will have to be replaced.
That was enough to prompt Hance to stop
the discussion. He said, “I think based on
the information that we have here, I don’t
know why we’re doing a pilot. We need to
just get rid of the fares because at the end
of the day, it looks like you’re losing money
collecting them.”
Hance added, “And you don’t even have
here what it costs to account for all that
money and keep track of the financial end
of it. Just in maintenance, you’re eating up
whatever you’re collecting.”
Hance appeared willing to end the fares
immediately, but Moreland convinced the
board it would be a smoother transition,
since some riders had purchased passes for
multiple trips, to transition to fareless on
July 1 at the beginning of the next fiscal
year. That decision was unanimous.
dickmyers@countytimes.net
the wrong side of the roadway and collid-
ing with the tow truck. Cristarella was trans-
ported to CalvertHealth where he was later
pronounced deceased.
The driver of the tow truck, identified as
Robert H. Bradford, 42, of Mechanicsville,
was transported to CalvertHealth with
minor injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or
events leading up to it is asked to contact M/
DFC Jeffrey Hardesty with the Crash Recon-
struction Team at 410-535-2800 or by email,
Jeffrey.Hardesty@CalvertCountymd.gov.
Press Release from CCSO
By Dick Myers
Staff Writer
The Calvert County Board of County
Commissioners has approved leases to
establish sheriff’s office substations in
Dunkirk and Lusby.
Deputy Public Works Director Thomas
Jones reported at the Jan. 9 commissioner
meeting that the substations will be at
10500 Southern Maryland Boulevard in
Dunkirk at the former Sun Trust building
and at 11780 HG Trueman Road in Lusby
in the former Bank of America location.
Jones said the yearly rent on the
1,800-square-foot Dunkirk building would be
$75,600. The annual rent on the 2,400-squa-
ree-foot Lusby building will be $50,000.
Sheriff Ricky Cox said he would cover the
rent for the remainder of the fiscal year out of
savings in his budget, but the rent would have
to be budgeted by the county thereafter. The
rents have yearly escalator clauses.
Cox told the commissioners, “My plan
is to have a true presence of our deputies
and our staff in the two areas of Dunkirk
and Lusby. And our building that we cur-
rently reside in is going to house the prince
Frederick response team. What we’ve been
doing as the traffic is getting busier and
busier on Route 4 is putting the deputies
in those locations and keeping them there
is my goal. They will not come out of that
patrol area. So, for the citizen out there,
that’s going to improve response time.”
Cox said changes in the Dunkirk area
raised the concern for a substation there and
then when the building in Lusby became
available, he hopped on that as well. “I
think this is a true plan that’ll work out for
not only the, the Sheriff’s Department, but
also work out for every citizen that lives
here. And it’s my duty as sheriff to improve
those response times and to have those dep-
uties actively engaging in their communi-
ties where they work.”
Cox said the patrol deputies will begin
to remain in their areas on Jan. 26 and the
offices will open on or about Feb.1. He said
they wouldn’t be fully staffed at first but
there will be a phone there for anyone to
use if they stop by when there is no one
there. He said the intent is to move to fully
staffed substations.
He said the substations would be places
to come to meet with either him or a dep-
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Sheriff Ricky Cox
uty and the space could also be used by the
commissioners for meetings.
Cox said at the end of the day the substa-
tions will save money by eliminating trips
to Prince Frederick. Deputies will have gas
cards so they can buy gas in their own area,
he said.
The sheriff said deputies when they
make an arrest will not have to transport
the detainees to the detention center. He
explained, “We’re looking to have some
holding areas there. The jail’s on board.
They’re going to have transports from
there. So, the deputy doesn’t have to leave.
The jail van will come to get a couple pris-
oners that need to go to the detention jail.
They’ll bring them there. “
He added the jail had the staffing for it.
“We met with them. They’re actually happy
to do it.” He said it would get correctional
officers out of the jail periodically.
State’s Attorney Bob Harvey said he was
all on board with the substations. “Just a
mere presence of a police substation in
these areas of our county has got to have a
deterrent effect on people coming in. And,
as the sheriff can attest, that’s what we’re
seeing, people coming into this county,
guns in the car, committing crimes, think-
ing that they’re going to be able to get away
with it if they speed off. And that’s just not
how we operate here, and that’s not how
we’re going to continue to operate.”
The decision to proceed with the substa-
tions was unanimous by the commissioners.
dickmyers@countytimes.net
 3 LOCAL NEWS
Twin Beaches Survive Storm and a Lot of Water
By Dick Myers
Staff Writer
With tides two to four feet above normal,
the storm that rocked much of the East Coast
on Jan. 9 dumped a lot of water into the
streets of North Beach, but when all was
said and done the town came out relatively
unscathed. Mayor Mike Benton said as far
as he knows no water got into any of the
town’s commercial or residential buildings.
Benton said at 2 p.m. on Wednesday that
water had poured over onto parts of 7th Street
between Chesapeake and Bay Avenue, and
Atlantic Avenue, “but the crews are there,
and we should have, probably in the next
hour or two, a hundred percent cleaned
out. We did have some small damage on
the pier. On our walkway, a jersey wall did
get moved from the waves, the strength of
the waves. We did have two jersey walls
get moved.”
The boardwalk area that was damaged
during the last major storm held up well,
Benton said. “It did. We had one small, lit-
tle, railing get moved, but other than that,
all the work on the boardwalk survived. We
had an extensive amount of silt and stuff
on the road on Atlantic and Nonth Street.
But we had a cleaner came in and we’re
there to process cleaning. Now, the south
side of the boat slips on our pier are miss-
ing a large amount of boards from the wave
action. And, we had a large amount of sand
dispersed onto our boardwalk, near the pier
and the welcome center. But that’s all been
cleaned up. We’re almost back to that had
never happened.”
The water never came over the board-
walk. But Benton said, “We did have some
water go underneath the boardwalk. In other
words, it entered on the east side of the wel-
come center underneath the boardwalk and
went into Bay Avenue, also on what we call
Hatches Corner. We had a lot of water, all
tidal, all of our flooding from this storm was
tidal. There was no rain flooding.:
Benton noted, “Our new pumps we put on
Fifth Street worked great. Our goal is that
Photos by Josh Stinnett, CBWRTP Superintendent Town of Chesapeake Beach
Calvert County Times Thursday, January 11, 2024
we’ll do our best to prevent what we can.
But if we can remove it quickly, then that’s
also a success.
The Route 261 bridge that the state con-
structed at the northern town limits hoped a
lot to reduce flooding, Benton said.
In Chesapeake Beach, Public Works
Director Jay Berry said Route 261 at the
firehouse was closed for about 24 hours,
inhibiting fire truck access.
Otherwise, Berry said, “We fared well.
We had some damage to a bridge at our
beach at Brownie’s Beach, which we’ve
since repaired. The biggest thing was they
had to shut down Route 2 61 for a while, all
of the night and until around 11 this morn-
ing (Jan. 10). And we have a lot of debris
and stuff where the tide came in and left
stuff and receded that we’re cleaning up.
But other than that, we fared pretty well.”
By 2 p.m. Wednesday, Berry said, “Ninety
percent. There’s some public properties and
streets and everything we focused on. I have
a few facilities, we had a tree come down at
Harbor Road and another one at Ridgefield
that we haven’t cleaned up yet, but 90 per-
cent of everything’s cleaned up.”
As to water in buildings, Berry noted,
“Water did get into some private buildings,
I think, over at Fishing Creek and a few resi-
dents, just some rainfall, but I don’t think from
coastal flooding. It’s just from heavy rain.”
Town Manager Holly Wahl noted, “The
Chesapeake Beach Water Reclamation treat-
ment plant superintendent reported that we
had two-and-a-half million gallons of inflow
into the plant during the event. A million of
that went to our shellfish tank. And so that
helps us when we have these big, big influxes
with storms and runoff and inflow coming
into the plant. But he is concerned for this
weekend because it looks like there’s another
storm on the radar for Friday, since our shell-
fish holding tank is so full right now.”
Normal plant inflow is about 800,000
gallons a day.
dickmyers@countytimes.net
 Thursday, January 11, 2024 Calvert County Times 2

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Dunkirk, Lusby Get

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TWIN BEACHES
WEATHER HEAVY STORM